Sanganer print: A journey through Rajasthan’s rich textile heritage

Sanganer print: A journey through Rajasthan’s rich textile heritage
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Unveil the secrets of Rajasthan’s rich textile heritage with a journey through the exquisite Sanganer print.

Sanganer Prints in Modern Times

Sanganer prints have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their unique designs and sustainable production methods. Many designers and fashion houses are now using sanganer print in their collections, helping to promote the tradition and heritage of this art form. Sanganeri printed fabrics are now used in a variety of products, including clothing, home décor, and accessories.
One of the reasons for the popularity of sanganer print is the versatility of the designs. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors can be used to create a range of styles, from traditional to modern. This has made sanganer print a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary fashion designers.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, sanganer print also have cultural and historical significance. They are a symbol of the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan, and are an important part of the state's cultural identity.
To promote and preserve the tradition of sanganer print, the government of Rajasthan has set up various initiatives and programs. These programs provide training and support to the artisans and craftsmen who create these prints, helping to ensure that the tradition is passed down to future generations.
sanganer print have been gaining popularity in the fashion world, and many brands, designers, and fashion houses have incorporated them into their collections. Here are some examples:
  • Ritu Kumar - The Ritu Kumar brand is known for its use of traditional Indian textiles, and the designer has used sanganer print in her collections. The brand's Spring/Summer 2021 collection featured sanganer print on a range of clothing, including sarees, kurtas, and dresses.
  • Anokhi - Anokhi is a brand that specializes in block printing, and its collections often feature sanganer print. The brand's clothing range includes kurtas, dresses, and skirts made from soft cotton and adorned with intricate sanganer print.
  • Raw Mango - Raw Mango is a fashion house that celebrates Indian textiles, and its collections often feature handloom fabrics and traditional prints. The brand's Sanganeri print collection includes sarees, dresses, and kurtas in a range of colours and styles.
  • Jaypore - Jaypore is an online marketplace that showcases handcrafted products from artisans across India, and the brand features a range of clothing items made from sanganer print. The collection includes sarees, kurtas, and dresses, all adorned with delicate sanganer print.
  • Anita Dongre - The Anita Dongre brand is known for its use of traditional Indian textiles and craftsmanship, and the designer has used sanganer print in her collections. The brand's Summer/Resort 2021 collection includes a range of clothing, including dresses, kurtas, and sarees, all featuring intricate sanganer print.
These brands and designers have used sanganer print to create a range of clothing items, from sarees and kurtas to dresses and skirts. The prints are often intricate and delicate, featuring floral motifs and geometric patterns. sanganer print are typically created using natural dyes made from plants and minerals, and the process of block printing is often used to create the intricate designs. Overall, Sanganeri block printing add a touch of traditional Indian craftsmanship and artistry to modern fashion.  Click here to explore sanganer printed products.
Rajasthan is known for its rich textile heritage, and one such craft that has gained recognition worldwide is Sanganeri print. Let's delve deeper into this traditional art form and explore why the brands, designers, and fashion houses are so intrigued by this craft and why it has become a popular choice for collections around the world.

Sanganer prints

sanganer print, also known as Sanganer prints, are a form of block printing that originated in the village of Sanganer in Rajasthan, India. The art of Sanganeri block print has been passed down through generations and continues to be practiced by skilled artisans today. The intricate designs of Sanganer prints are created using a traditional block printing technique. First, a design is drawn on paper, and then transferred to a wooden block. The block is carved by hand with precision to create the block painting design. One unique aspect of Sanganeri block printing is the use of natural dyes, including block painting with vegetables such as indigo, turmeric, and pomegranate.
sanganer print are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The designs often feature floral motifs, geometric shapes, and other intricate patterns. The prints are created by stamping the wooden block onto the fabric, repeating the pattern to create a continuous design.
The history of sanganer print can be traced back to the 16th century, when the art form was introduced to the village of Sanganer by a group of skilled craftsmen. Over the years, the art form has evolved, with new designs and techniques being developed.
Today, sanganer print are used in a variety of products, including clothing, home décor, and accessories. The versatility of the designs has made sanganer print a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary fashion designers.
To promote and preserve the tradition of Sanganeri block printing, various initiatives and programs have been set up by the government of Rajasthan. These programs provide training and support to the artisans and craftsmen who create these prints, helping to ensure that the tradition is passed down to future generations.
Sanganer prints are a traditional form of block printing that have a rich history and cultural significance. The use of natural dyes and sustainable production methods makes them an eco-friendly and ethical choice. By promoting and preserving the tradition of sanganer print, we can help to ensure that this art form continues to thrive and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of India.

History

Sanganer prints have a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. The art form was introduced to the village of Sanganer, located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India, by a group of skilled craftsmen who migrated to the area from Gujarat. These craftsmen brought with them the art of block printing, which had been developed and refined over centuries in Gujarat.
Sanganer was an ideal location for the craftsmen to settle because of its abundant supply of water, which was essential for the dyeing process. The village quickly became a hub for textile production, with artisans specializing in various aspects of the production process, including block printing, dyeing, and weaving.
Over time, the craftsmen in Sanganer developed their own unique style of block printing, incorporating local design elements and motifs. The prints often featured intricate patterns and floral designs, which were inspired by the local flora and fauna.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, sanganer print became increasingly popular in India, and the textiles produced in Sanganer were sought after throughout the country. The prints were particularly popular among the wealthy and the royal families, who would often commission custom-made textiles for special occasions.
In the 20th century, Sanganeri block printing faced stiff competition from industrial production methods, which allowed for faster and cheaper textile production. However, the traditional methods of block printing and natural dyeing continued to be practiced by a dedicated group of artisans and craftsmen in Sanganer.
Today, Sanganer prints are once again gaining popularity, both in India and around the world. The prints are admired for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and eco-friendly production methods. They have become a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and are cherished by people from all over the world.

Process

The process of making Sanganer prints is a traditional method of block printing that involves several steps. Here is a detailed process of making sanganer print:
  1. Design creation: The first step is to create the design that will be printed onto the fabric. The designs are usually inspired by nature, with floral patterns and motifs being popular choices. The design is typically drawn on paper or cloth and then transferred onto the wooden blocks.
  1. Carving of wooden blocks: The next step is to carve the design onto the wooden blocks. The blocks are usually made of teak wood and are hand-carved by skilled artisans. Each block represents a different part of the design, and multiple blocks may be used to create a single print.
  1. Preparation of fabric: The fabric is prepared by washing it thoroughly to remove any impurities and to ensure that it is free of any chemicals or sizing agents. The fabric is then stretched and dried before being printed.
  1. Preparation of natural dyes: The natural dyes used in sanganer print, which are made from plants and minerals through a process of soaking, boiling, and straining, are often derived from vegetables and other organic materials, and are also commonly used in the process of block printing. Block painiting with vegetables involves using natural dyes made from plant-based sources to create intricate designs and patterns on textiles.
  1. Block printing: The printing process involves the use of wooden blocks that have been carved with the design. The blocks are dipped in the natural dyes and then stamped onto the fabric to create the pattern. This process is repeated until the entire fabric is covered with the desired pattern.
  1. Drying: Once the printing is complete, the fabric is left to dry in the sun. This helps to set the colors and allows the natural dyes to penetrate the fibers of the fabric.
  1. Washing and finishing: After the fabric has dried, it is washed in cold water to remove any excess dye. The fabric is then ironed to set the colors and to give it a smooth finish.
The entire process of making Sanganeri block printing is done by hand, with skilled artisans working on each step of the production process. This traditional method of block printing has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to be practiced by skilled craftsmen in Sanganer and other parts of India.

Types of Designs

Sanganer prints are known for their intricate designs, which are inspired by nature, mythology, and everyday life. Some of the popular designs include floral motifs, paisleys, and geometric patterns. The designs are often intricate and detailed, with multiple layers of block printing used to create a sense of depth and texture.
One unique aspect of sanganer print is the use of "Buti" designs. These designs consist of small, intricate patterns that are repeated throughout the fabric, creating a cohesive and visually stunning overall design. Click here to explore sanganer printed products.

Block Painting with Vegetables

One unique aspect of Sanganer printing is the use of natural dyes made from vegetables. These dyes are made by boiling vegetables like pomegranate, turmeric, and indigo in water to extract the color. The fabric is then soaked in the dye, which gives it a unique and natural color. This process is sustainable and eco-friendly, as it avoids the use of synthetic dyes that can be harmful to the environment and the people who work with them.