We are delighted to work with a team of artisans in Jaipur, India to make our block printed quilts. Some of the earliest examples date back to China in the 7th Century AD and the art has been practiced in Rajasthan for over 500 years, passing down through the generations.
This traditional method of manufacturing combines skill, precision and creativity. Each block is hand carved, usually from mango wood, then dipped in natural vegetable dyes and applied to the fabric, one layer at a time. Simple designs may only have two or three layers while more complex designs may have up to five layers. Because block printing quilts is done entirely by hand, there may be small pleasing imperfections and irregularities giving each piece character.
As well as preserving ancient traditions, printing quilts supports artisans and their families and empowers women in rural areas giving them a source of year-round income.
This method of printing is currently seeing a resurgence. Not only does it produce a unique and beautiful finished product, it offers a sustainable alternative to mass-produced textiles.