Dabu Printing Workshop
at NIFT, Mumbai
Originated from the lands of Rajasthan, Dabu print is an ancient hand block printing technique. The practice of Dabu print, almost died in the last century; but it was revived by artisans and today, it is a flourishing business across the globe.
Dabu printing is a mud resisting type of hand block printing.
Plain fabric is first washed to remove any impurities, which may interfere the dyeing process. Designs are then hand printed on the fabric using blocks dipped in fast dyes. After this, mud resist is used that makes this print so unique. After printing is done, the Dabu print fabric is spread in the sun, where it dries out. Next, the fabric is dipped in vat of dye, dried again and finally washed thoroughly to remove excess dye. Dyes used are typically natural. Parts of the fabric that are uncovered with mud resist are of different color than the rest of the fabric.
at Nirona, Kutch
Rogan Art, an ancient textile art, with its origins in Persia, came to Kutch around 400 years ago. At present there is only one family that is still practicing Rogan.
Rogan uses a rich, brightly coloured paint made from castor oil and natural colours. The term Rogan means ‘Oil-based’ in Persian and refers to the thick substance formed by heating and then casting castor oil in cold water. The making of the Rogan paste is done in the jungle where the artisans mix oil and natural colour. After it is mixed with natural colours, the paste is drawn out into a fine ‘thread’ with a metal stylus or ‘Kalam’. The artisans then place a small amount of this paint paste into their palm and at body temperature, the paint is carefully twisted across the cloth into motifs and patterns using the ‘Kalam’. Next, the artisan folds the fabric thereby printing its mirror image. The finer details are then added thus completing the Rogan painting.
