Sanskrit Inscription on Hand Block Print, Cotton, Kalamkari Fabric. India. Hindu

Description

File name
Hand Printed Cotton Fabric
Kalamkari
From Heritage Trading Company
About Kalamkari Fabrics
The coastal area of Andhra Pradesh in eastern India is the traditional source for hand-printed, cotton, kalamkari fabric.  Originally, designs were painted onto the fabric using a pen (or kalam), and most of the textiles were exported to Southeast Asia.  By the 16th century, European merchants were arriving in Asia with the intention of trading for spices.  They discovered that they could purchase kalamkari in India, sail to the areas that are today Indonesia and Malaysia, and profitably barter the cloth for the spices they wanted from those regions.  Eventually this printed Indian cloth also found its way to Europe, where it was known as “pintado” by the Portuguese and “chintz” by the English.  Persia was another export destination for the fabric, because of a relationship between the local, Muslim ruler in India and the ruling dynasty of Iran.  This connection was a two way street: fabric was sold in Iran, and Persian motifs became important designs on kalamkari fabrics. Not all kalamkari was exported, but local demand for the fabric was primarily for religious paintings and narrative cloth scrolls.
In the 19th century, wooden blocks were introduced as a faster way to print kalamkari fabric.  Since then, very little freehand drawing has been done, with the exception of work for temple hangings.
By the middle of the 20th century, kalamkari was in steep decline.  First the European nations in the 18th century and then Persia in 1924 placed restrictions on its importation to protect their own textile industries.  Indonesia’s batik industry, which developed in the 19th century, further reduced the market.
Fortunately, with the assistance of the All India Handicrafts Board, textile enthusiasts began promoting a revival of kalamkari in the 1950’s.  A training program was established and young workers were recruited.  Kalamkari fabric has now regained popularity in India and is becoming known abroad.
Today, with the exception of temple paintings, which are done using the traditional pen, kalamkari is a block printing process. It is usually characterized by the use of natural dyes and Persian-inspired motifs.  Kalamkari is similar to Rajasthani and Gujarati block printing, but its designs are more likely to have dark, rather than light-colored, backgrounds, and its motifs are frequently somewhat larger in scale.
To see photos of the kalamkari printing process, visit our blog at
http://www.heritagetradinginternational.com/blogs/news/7442540-printing-kalamkari-fabrics
Using carved wooden blocks, a Sanskrit inscription was hand printed onto this 100% cotton fabric.
Natural dyes were used in this piece.
Motif Color:
Black
Background Color:
Tan
Fabric Width:
45 Inches  (1.15 Meters)
Fabric:
Medium Weight Cotton
Price is for ONE YARD.  Multiple yards will be cut as one continuous piece.
This fabric is
brand
new
, not "vintage."  In other words, it's not used, damaged, or dirty.   It is, however, folk art.  Because of the way it's produced, the pattern is not perfectly uniform.  If your project needs greater precision, you'll be better off with machine printed textiles.
This item is shipped from India.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Outstanding Quality
Please see our feedback for comments like these about our
hand-printed fabrics:
Apr-10-06
Praise
:
Super speedy delivery with the most elegant fantastical beautiful cloth. O JOY!!!
Apr-30-06
Praise
:
Another authentic length of fabric! Good measure, washes well, great service!+++
Apr-10-07
Praise
:
I just love your fabric- best seller on ebay! A million thanks
Sep-09-08
Praise
:
Gorgeous fabric straight out of Jane Austen - Thanks Heritage!!! A+++++++++++++
Aug-18-09
Praise
:
Amazing for our traditions of provencal costume. Thanks for all.
Dec-29-10
Praise
:
Unable to find this item anywhere else, rapid delivery, outstanding service
Feb-24-11
Praise
:
A lovely piece of craftsmanship, safe + securely wrapped, 10 Stars indeed !!!
Jul-28-11
Praise
:
This is my fifth purchase from this company and the fabric is always amazing!
Dec-13-11
Praise
:
Beautiful fabric. I will buy more. Nothing like it in stores so unique/special.
Jan-22-12
Praise
:
Very nice pattern and texture, good colors, good price, thanks!
Mar-28-12
Praise
:
Beautiful Fabric, fast ship, quality, authentic artisan items. EXCELLENT SELLER!!
Jul-29-12
Praise
:
B
eautiful fabric, perfect for reenacting!
Jan-05-13
Praise
:
Beautiful design with a quick delivery. Hand printed loveliness. Recommended.
Feb-08-13
Praise
:
M
agnifique, comme toujours
Jun
-12-15
Praise
:
Exquisite merchandise at a great price; totally trustworthy seller. A++++++
Jun
-24-15
Praise
:
Very nice fabric. Finer than expected. Thank you.
Collectible Textiles
Heritage Trading Company offers unusual and hard-to-find fabrics and trims at affordable prices.  You'll find textiles for your contemporary and historic projects in our Ebay auctions and Ebay store.
SGR15-2060
(MUM___LA___)