Kalamkari Print
Kalamkari Print
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form that involves hand-painting or block-printing
intricate designs onto fabric using natural dyes. The word "Kalamkari" is derived from two Persian words: "qalam," meaning pen, and "kari," meaning craftsmanship. Kalamkari
prints are characterized by their elaborate motifs, rich colors, and detailed
craftsmanship.
There are two main types of Kalamkari: Srikalahasti style and Machilipatnam style.
1. Srikalahasti style: This style of Kalamkari originated in the town of Srikalahasti in
the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It involves hand-painting intricate motifs,
usually depicting mythological scenes, religious themes, or nature-inspired
designs, using a pen-like instrument called a "kalam" (hence the name
Kalamkari). The dyes used in Srikalahasti Kalamkari are typically derived from
natural sources such as vegetables, roots, and minerals.
2. Machilipatnam style: Also known as the Pedana style, this form of Kalamkari
originated in the town of Machilipatnam, also in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike the
Srikalahasti style, which involves hand-painting, Machilipatnam Kalamkari
employs block-printing techniques. Intricate wooden blocks are carved with
designs, and these blocks are then used to stamp the motifs onto the fabric.
Machilipatnam Kalamkari often features geometric patterns, floral motifs, and
elaborate borders.
Kalamkari prints are commonly used to adorn sarees, dupattas, dress materials, wall
hangings, and other textile products. They are cherished for their exquisite
craftsmanship, cultural significance, and timeless beauty. Today, Kalamkari continues to be practiced by skilled artisans, preserving this ancient art form for future generations.
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form that involves hand-painting or block-printing
intricate designs onto fabric using natural dyes. The word "Kalamkari" is derived from two Persian words: "qalam," meaning pen, and "kari," meaning craftsmanship. Kalamkari
prints are characterized by their elaborate motifs, rich colors, and detailed
craftsmanship.
There are two main types of Kalamkari: Srikalahasti style and Machilipatnam style.
1. Srikalahasti style: This style of Kalamkari originated in the town of Srikalahasti in
the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It involves hand-painting intricate motifs,
usually depicting mythological scenes, religious themes, or nature-inspired
designs, using a pen-like instrument called a "kalam" (hence the name
Kalamkari). The dyes used in Srikalahasti Kalamkari are typically derived from
natural sources such as vegetables, roots, and minerals.
2. Machilipatnam style: Also known as the Pedana style, this form of Kalamkari
originated in the town of Machilipatnam, also in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike the
Srikalahasti style, which involves hand-painting, Machilipatnam Kalamkari
employs block-printing techniques. Intricate wooden blocks are carved with
designs, and these blocks are then used to stamp the motifs onto the fabric.
Machilipatnam Kalamkari often features geometric patterns, floral motifs, and
elaborate borders.
Kalamkari prints are commonly used to adorn sarees, dupattas, dress materials, wall
hangings, and other textile products. They are cherished for their exquisite
craftsmanship, cultural significance, and timeless beauty. Today, Kalamkari continues to be practiced by skilled artisans, preserving this ancient art form for future generations.
