Dabu printing is a classic hand-block sculpture from Rajasthan. Craftsmen there make mud-resist stuff by mixing desert sands, which they call "Dabu." This incredible art leaves mud-colored block prints on cloth. People use Dabu print to jazz up old-school outfits and stuff for their homes. They mix mud and other natural things to make a pattern on the fabric that resists dye. Then, they dye it with indigo or other natural colors. They put the mud mix on the fabric using a wooden block with a carved pattern.
History - Dabu Printing
Rajasthan is known as the top state for hand-block printing in India. People say this art started in China a long time ago. Over time, hand block printing spread to India. Right now, towns like Sanganer, Bagru, and Angola in Rajasthan are the main spots where all kinds of handblock prints can be made. People first made Dabu print around 675 A.D. in Akola, a village in Chittorgarh district. They call the process of making Dabu "Dabanna," which means "to push down." Families in Akola keep making this fabric to hold onto their old ways.
Because of other options, the art died out before India became independent. But it started to come back around the 2000s. Akola families still make this fabric to keep their old traditions going.
Making of Dabu Print
This eco-friendly print comes from mixing different plant-based stuff. The whole thing is done. They use natural dyes and plant-based glues. These things are used to make a special dab print-
- The best material for making a Dabu print is black or brown mud from ponds near villages.
- The mud of clay leaves an actual effect on the course of action.
- They add Gum Arabic to the mix to help the block design stick to the fabric.
- Wheat powder makes the paste stickier and better for printing designs.
- Indigo is the most used dye in the Dabu print process. Both natural and chemical indigo have evolved in the blending process.
These days, they use many basic fabrics to stamp Dabu prints on. Cotton, Silk, chiffon georgettes, and others show the best outcomes with this mud-resist print. The Dabu print fabric has minor bleeding properties.
Motifs - Nature-Inspired and Geometric Dabu Prints
Most hand-block prints are inspired by nature. Some traditionally popular motifs are sunflowers, animals, peacocks, leaves, fruits, etc. Moreover, Dabu prints create geometric designs such as vertical and horizontal lines, dotty lines, and many distinctive shapes.
Global Presence - Dabu Print
Because people in other countries like handblock prints (like Bagru and Sanganer), Dabu print has become famous for its lively and unique patterns. Artisans use this fine art exclusively for all kinds of fabrics, with decorative drawings in shades of different colors. Particularly for cotton and silk textiles, artisans, such as handblock prints, use this print to leave an excellent impact. Today, Dabu print fabrics are popular worldwide, with designers and consumers alike appreciating these textiles' traditional craftsmanship and unique beauty. Block prints look amazing on Indian women ethnic wear, such as an Anarkali Frock suit and Suit sets.
Wrapping Up
The Dabu print technique is still a secret art of the craftspeople living in Akola village. In old India, doing this art wasn't easy, and it was tough to keep it going. Nevertheless, the traditional sculpture is revitalized again and endowed with new blueprints. We hope Dabu Print keeps growing and becoming super successful worldwide. People in Rajasthan have been printing blocks for hundreds of years. They used it to make clothes and stuff for their homes. Because this fabric has minor bleeding properties, we recommend washing it separately for the first few washes.
JOVI India is a women's Handcrafted Designer clothes store that adds a wide range of outfits with classic hand-block print patterns. Our customers like gold block prints, ikat patterns, and line designs. This beautiful and unique handblock printing technique has been practiced for centuries in Rajasthan, India. Its use of natural materials and sustainable processes make it an eco-friendly choice. In contrast, its durability and timeless beauty make it a wise investment for anyone looking for high-quality and sustainable textiles. If you want to know more about our traditional designs, just shoot us a message at joviindia.com
