Indian Block Print Pillow

The age-old craft of dyeing and colouring a fabric using wooden blocks has been perfected in India over generations. Whatever its motifs, each block print is symbolic of the country’s vast heritage and rich culture.

Blocks are made using woods such as teak, sycamore and pear, and are lovingly hand-carved in a myriad of intricate designs that are first made using chalk paste or a pencil on paper.

The famous centres in Rajasthan are the cities of Jaipur, Bagru, Sanganer, Pali and Barmer, and the state is known for its colourful prints of gods, goddesses, humans, animals and birds. Sanganer is famous for its Calico prints (recognised by their dual colour prints done repeatedly in diagonal rows) and Doo Rookhi prints (that come on both side of the fabric). Barmer is known for its prints of red chillies and trees featuring a blue-black outline, while Sikar and Shekhawat prints feature motifs of horses, camels, peacocks and lions.