Kalamkari is the traditional art of fabric printing. We print on cotton fabric using vegetable dyes and wooden blocks. Intricate designs are etched into wooden blocks each designed by master block makers. Each color requires a separate block.

Some of the natural elements that our dyes are derived from are indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, jaggery, iron, roots, leaves, flowers, nuts and mineral salts of iron, tin and copper.  

The fabric is prepared for printing by soaking in Myrobalan juice. The block is dipped into the dye and the print is stamped onto the fabric by hand, one block at a time.  After printing a single color the fabric is boiled in special leaves and sun dried to resume further printing.  

Complex designs require the use of two or more overlapping prints.  The fabric is treated between prints for color setting.  The treatment of the fabric and the number of stages involved vary for each color.  This includes washing and boiling the fabric with  various plant based derivatives mixed  in water.  

Finally the fabric is washed in shallow river waters to wash off the extra color and to set the final color shade.  The depth and the speed of the water determine the brightness of the colors.  The fabric is finally ready to be crafted into White Lotus scarves and bandanas.   

This art form of printing fabric is eco friendly, sustainable.  It generates employment to thousands of artisans who strive to protect this unique UNICEF protected form of art.

Slight imperfections in the print are an inherent part of hand block printing.  They provide the distinguishing handcrafted appearance that separates it from the mass produced factory perfect look.  Hand wash separately in cold water.  If indigo is the dominant color, we recommend washing once  before wear.