The Rich World of Handblock Art: Exploring Bagru, Sanganeri, Shibori & More

India has a long-standing tradition of textile arts, and among the most cherished forms is handblock printing. This centuries-old craft combines creativity, patience, and heritage, transforming simple fabrics into artistic treasures. From the floral elegance of Sanganeri prints to the earthy beauty of Bagru block printing, and the tie-dye charm of Shibori, each style tells a unique story.

In this blog, we take a deep dive into the diverse world of handblock art, exploring various regional styles and techniques that have kept this artisanal heritage alive across generations.

---

1. Bagru Printing – The Art of Earthy Elegance

Bagru handblock printing comes from the small town of Bagru, located near Jaipur in Rajasthan. Known for its natural dyes and rustic motifs, Bagru printing uses traditional wooden blocks carved with ethnic patterns like florals, vines, and paisleys.

What sets Bagru apart is the use of natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric, madder, and pomegranate rind. The fabric is pre-treated with harad (myrobalan) and soaked in clay to achieve a light beige tone, which enhances the vibrancy of the prints.

Key characteristics:

• Earthy tones (brown, black, red, indigo)

• Repeated motifs with symmetrical alignment

• Eco-friendly and skin-safe

• Mostly done on cotton and silk fabrics

---

2. Sanganeri Printing – The Craft of Floral Finesse

Originating from Sanganer, another town in Rajasthan, Sanganeri handblock printing is famous for its delicate and intricate floral designs. Unlike Bagru, Sanganeri prints often use bright and vibrant colors on white or pastel backgrounds.

These prints are characterized by fine lines, Mughal-inspired patterns, and the use of synthetic and natural dyes. The motifs are often floral vines, booti (small motifs), and lotus patterns.

Sanganeri prints are widely used in sarees, salwar suits, dupatta sets, and even home linens.

Key characteristics:

• Soft colors and intricate detailing

• Mostly floral and nature-inspired patterns

• Printed on white or light backgrounds

• Popular for summer fashion

---

3. Shibori – The Art of Japanese Tie-Dye

Though Shibori is originally a Japanese art, it has found a creative space in Indian handloom practices, especially in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. The word “Shibori” means “to wring or squeeze,” referring to the tie-dye technique used to resist color.

Shibori designs are made by folding, twisting, or binding the fabric before dyeing it in indigo or other natural colors. The result is a pattern that’s unpredictable and always unique.

It’s a form of resist dyeing, much like Bandhani, and is used to create scarves, sarees, dupattas, and even modern garments like kurtas and tops.

Key characteristics:

• Abstract and organic patterns

• Indigo, red, and earthy color tones

• Works best on cotton and mulmul

• Every piece is one-of-a-kind

---

4. Dabu Printing – Mud-Resist Magic

Dabu printing is a unique mud-resist handblock technique practiced mainly in Rajasthan. A mixture of mud, gum, lime, and wheat chaff is applied to the fabric using wooden blocks. The fabric is then dyed, and the resist areas retain the base color while the rest gets dyed, creating striking contrasts.

Dabu is often used in combination with indigo or vegetable dyes to create traditional motifs like leaves, dots, and flowers.

Key characteristics:

• Uses mud to resist dye

• Organic and eco-friendly

• Deep, rich colors and faded look

• Common in traditional Rajasthani attire

---

5. Ajrakh Printing – A Tale of Geometry and Precision

Ajrakh is a sophisticated block printing technique from Kutch, Gujarat, and Barmer, Rajasthan. It uses intricate geometric and symmetrical designs, often printed in deep indigo, maroon, black, and white.

Ajrakh involves multiple stages of printing and dyeing, often taking over 14 steps. It uses natural dyes and traditional motifs influenced by Islamic architecture and geometry.

Key characteristics:

• Highly detailed and symmetrical

• Geometric and floral fusion

• Repeated use of stars, squares, and lattice designs

• Time-intensive and rare

---

6. Kalamkari – The Pen-Styled Block Art

While Kalamkari is often associated with hand-painting using pens, a variant of this craft also uses handblock printing. Mostly practiced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kalamkari block prints feature mythological themes, temple borders, and natural motifs.

Natural dyes extracted from plants, roots, and minerals are used, making Kalamkari a sustainable art form that also carries a cultural message.

Key characteristics:

• Storytelling through fabric

• Inspired by Indian epics and nature

• Natural dye and hand-drawn details

• Mostly done on cotton and silk

---

Preserving the Legacy of Handblock Printing

With the rise of fast fashion and machine-made textiles, handblock printing faces the risk of being lost. However, there’s a growing appreciation for sustainable Indian fashion and artisan-made clothing, especially among conscious buyers.

Platforms like BagruArt.com are working closely with artisan communities to preserve and promote handblock art through ethically made cotton suits, Chanderi sarees, Kota Doria dupattas, and more.

By choosing handblock printed products, you are not just buying fashion—you are preserving culture, supporting artisans, and embracing slow, meaningful fashion.

---

From the intricate vines of Sanganeri to the bold geometry of Ajrakh, and the earthy tones of Bagru to the fluidity of Shibori, each form of handblock printing has its own personality and purpose. These crafts, steeped in heritage, have evolved into modern fashion statements while retaining their traditional roots.

Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a cultural connoisseur, or someone who values eco-friendly handmade textiles, exploring these handblock arts is a journey through India’s rich craft history.