"Block Printed Textiles of India: A Legacy in Pattern and Print"

Block Printed Textiles of India: Imprints of Culture explores the deep-rooted significance of one of India’s most enduring crafts, tracing its role in shaping visual identity and sustaining centuries of international trade. From traditional caste attire to contemporary urban fashion, block prints have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of Indian life. Once reserved for specific communities, today they adorn everything from high-end couture to everyday furnishings, captivating designers in India and across the globe.

The book delves into the artistry behind block printing—its intricate techniques, vibrant dyes, and the skilled hands that keep the tradition alive. It also uncovers the fascinating social and historical journeys of these textiles, shaped by trade, conquest, colonization, and innovation. Drawing from over twenty-four years of extensive field research, the author brings firsthand insights from artisans, designers, entrepreneurs, and collectors, offering a rare glimpse into the world of block printing.

Lavishly illustrated and rich with detail, this book not only chronicles the evolution and revival of block prints but also celebrates their resilience and reinvention in an ever-changing world. Winner of the prestigious R.L. Shep Ethnic Textile Book Award (2016), it is an essential read for anyone enchanted by the intersection of craft, culture, and history—proving that block prints are not just patterns on fabric, but imprints of an ancient and ever-evolving heritage.