For centuries, the art of block printing has been an essential part of India's textile industry, and Ajrakh is one unique form of block printing that stands out.
The process...
At the heart of this process is the wooden block itself, a meticulously crafted piece of wood that must be both sturdy and precise. Each block is made entirely by hand, using only traditional tools and techniques. A piece of teakwood is carefully chosen for each block to ensure that it is both durable and easy to carve. The block is then sanded and polished to a smooth finish, ready to be carved into its design. Before the carving process begins, the design must be decided and mapped on the smooth surface of the block. Carefully carving the design onto the wood requires immense skill and creativity to make intricate patterns and details.
The people...
This is where skilled artisans like Ganshyambhai come into the picture. He has honed his skills over three decades to create beautiful, high-quality wooden blocks. We had the chance to visit his workshop in the small town of Pethapur, where he shared his story and expertise with us.
Ganshyambhai, now 55, started carving at the age of 20, and after 35 years, he is still working hard for the business his grandfather started a century ago. Although his sons are MBA graduates and working towards a better life, they cannot spare too much time for this artistic profession.
Sadly, this is the story for many local artisans. They are unable to keep the art of wooden block printing relevant due to lack of support. Ganshyambhai is not only a gem of the artisanal community but also a gem of a person, providing a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come!
With this in mind...
Wooden block printing is a beautiful and unique art form of our culture that deserves recognition and applaud. This is your sign to support local artisans like Ganshyambhai, keep this beautiful tradition alive and preserve our cultural heritage.
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