Ever heard of block print?

You've heard of it, but you're not sure what it is? Block print is a woodblock printing technique on textiles that has conquered the world of interior design. Here's how it works.

What is block print?

This ancestral tradition, perpetuated by craftsmen in India, consists in printing motifs on a block of carved wood (from rosewood), on cotton, linen and silk, by exerting hand pressure on the block. Originating in northern India, this technique first saw the light of day in the 14th century, before falling into disuse under the English protectorate. It finally came back into vogue in the 70s and is making a remarkable comeback this season.

A stamp impregnated with vegetable dye is sculpted with motifs that have a foreign accent. A single block corresponds to one color; several blocks are needed to create a block print.

An authentic print, with a strong emphasis on ancient craftsmanship, and a unique, irregular imprint. This antique process is carried out by hand, which explains some of the irregularities on the fabric.

From cushions and rugs to pencil cases, block-printed fabrics age quite well. To preserve their brilliance, wash at 30°.

How to adopt it?

We fall for its original patterns, starting with cushions that we combine with other plain cushions for a successful mix & match. To take things a step further, consider block print rugs. If block print is reserved exclusively for textiles, we're thinking of adopting it in the bedroom, like boutis to be drawn on the bed, or floor mats to breathe ethnic style into the interior. Linde as if you were there