The research studies the centuries-old textile art form of Dabu hand block printing from Rajasthan with a particular emphasis on efforts to promote, revive and uplift this unique skill. The distinctive point about this craft is the eco-friendly design process using locally available raw materials and favorable climate conditions. It focuses on the complicated preparation of the Dabu mud resist, the highly intricate carving of wooden blocks and the precise application of these blocks to produce stunning patterns and motifs on the fabric. By protecting and maintaining this legacy, we not only honor a great historical art form, but we also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the craftsmen and the cultural identity of the place where it thrives. The study documents the historical relevance and processes involved in Dabu hand block printing through qualitative research methods such as interviews with master artisans, field observations, and archival research. This study examines the cultural background, symbolism, and traditional design patterns associated with Dabu hand block printing to highlight its function as a cultural identifier and a means of preserving indigenous knowledge. With the introduction of contemporary technologies, increase in screen printing methods, use of chemical dyes, variation in cost of hand versus screen-printed products and changing consumer preferences, this ancient handicraft has faced enormous challenges. The research, however, is concluded toward promotion of the craft in terms of its sustainable measures and modifications that have come about in its technique, types of colors, motifs, and beautiful patterns which are handed over from generation to generation.

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From Mud to Masterpiece: The Enduring Legacy of Dabu Printing

  • Anandita Goenka,
  • Nandini Mehrotra,
  • Soumya Sanghi,
  • Nishita Nath,
  • Anoushka Pandey

摘要

The research studies the centuries-old textile art form of Dabu hand block printing from Rajasthan with a particular emphasis on efforts to promote, revive and uplift this unique skill. The distinctive point about this craft is the eco-friendly design process using locally available raw materials and favorable climate conditions. It focuses on the complicated preparation of the Dabu mud resist, the highly intricate carving of wooden blocks and the precise application of these blocks to produce stunning patterns and motifs on the fabric. By protecting and maintaining this legacy, we not only honor a great historical art form, but we also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the craftsmen and the cultural identity of the place where it thrives. The study documents the historical relevance and processes involved in Dabu hand block printing through qualitative research methods such as interviews with master artisans, field observations, and archival research. This study examines the cultural background, symbolism, and traditional design patterns associated with Dabu hand block printing to highlight its function as a cultural identifier and a means of preserving indigenous knowledge. With the introduction of contemporary technologies, increase in screen printing methods, use of chemical dyes, variation in cost of hand versus screen-printed products and changing consumer preferences, this ancient handicraft has faced enormous challenges. The research, however, is concluded toward promotion of the craft in terms of its sustainable measures and modifications that have come about in its technique, types of colors, motifs, and beautiful patterns which are handed over from generation to generation.