CRAFT IN THE SPOTLIGHT | Kalamkari

At World of Ikat, we're passionate about highlighting the traditional crafts that inspire our designs. In this blog post, we're putting the spotlight on Kalamkari, an ancient Indian craft that combines art, skill, and sustainability.

Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form that has been a cornerstone of Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage for centuries. This ancient block printing technique has been passed down through generations, with artisans in Pedana Village, Andhra Pradesh, being renowned for their exceptional skill and craftsmanship.

Origin and History of Kalamkari

The word “Kalamkari” is derived from the Persian words “Kalam” meaning pen and “Kari” meaning work. This technique involves using hand-carved wooden blocks to print intricate designs onto the fabric. The art form has its roots in ancient India, with evidence of Kalamkari printing dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

The Kalamkari Process

The Kalamkari process is labour-intensive and intricate, requiring great skill and patience. Here's a brief overview of how it's done:

1. Design: Artisans begin by creating intricate designs on wooden blocks, which are then used to print the designs onto the fabric.
2. Preparation: The fabric is first treated with a mixture of cow dung and water, followed by natural bleaching in the sunlight.
3. Block Printing: The blocks are then applied to the fabric, using a combination of natural dyes and alum to fix the colours, such as indigo, madder, and pomegranate.
4. Dyeing and Washing: The fabric is then dyed and washed to achieve the desired colour and texture.

Preservation of a Traditional Craft

In today's fast-paced world, traditional crafts like Kalamkari are often at risk of being lost. However, at World of Ikat, we're committed to preserving and promoting this ancient craft.

We work closely with skilled artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. By providing them with a platform to showcase their work, we're helping to keep the tradition alive.

Kalamkari artisans use a range of natural dyes, including plants, leaves, and flowers, to create a vibrant palette of colours. The colours are derived from natural sources, such as:

• Pomegranate peel for mustard yellow
• Moduga flower for yellow
• Alizarin for red
• Indigo for blue

Kalamkari is not only a beautiful craft, but it's also a sustainable one. The use of natural dyes,

organic fabrics, and traditional techniques makes Kalamkari an attractive option for those looking for sustainable fashion. Kalamkari is a perfect example of how traditional crafts can be used to create modern, sustainable clothing.

Despite the advent of modern printing techniques, Kalamkari artisans in Andhra Pradesh continue to preserve this traditional craft. At World of Ikat, efforts are being made to promote and support these artisans, ensuring the preservation of this ancient craft form.