Popularly known as Gudari, these Bed Spreads or Coverlets are made of double layered handloom woven cotton fabric. Gudari is hand block printed in vegetable dyes and embroidered with colorful threads. The floral motifs favored by the printers of Bagru and Sanganer are Persian in origin, though Sanganeri designs are more sophisticated. Block printing has become popular because the simple process can create such sensational designs and patterns. The main tools for printing are wooden blocks in different sizes called Buntas, made of seasoned teak wood. Block printing is practised all over India where a bleached cotton or silk fabric is printed with the help of carved wooden blocks.
Block printing is practiced all over India where a bleached cotton or silk fabric is printed with the help of carved wooden blocks. Block printing is popular because of the rich and vibrant colors. India has been renowned for its printed and dyed cotton cloth since the 12th century. The art of Hand block printing was passed from generation to generation and employed use of natural colors.
Ahmedabad, Sanganer, Bagru, Farukhabad and Pethapur, are the main centers of hand block printing in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Bagru and Sanganeri prints are not easily distinguishable but on a closer observation the difference between the two are revealed. The Sanganer prints are always on a white background, whereas the Bagru prints are essentially in red and black. Artistry and intricacy characterize the designs of Farukhabad. Other notable centers are Pethapur near Ahmedabad and Banaras. Banaras block prints which makers design their blocks to suit fine silk printing - sometimes each design has seven colors.
Block designs get bigger and bolder and the delicacy is lost as one moves towards the south or towards Calcutta. Today, Andhra Pradesh is a large center for hand block printing. Lepakshi prints of Hyderabad are very popular. Ajarakh prints, primarily intended for garments for men, originated in Gujarat is popular even today.
