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Block Print

A traditional, ancient craft unique to the Chhipa caste in Jaipur and surrounding areas, block-printing is used to create many of the vibrant motifs in our pieces. Each design is drawn and carved into a wooden slab by hand. The wooden block is dipped into trays of different coloured dye and then carefully applied to the fabric by hand.

The fabric is stamped, one layer of colour at a time. Our more intricate designs require five distinct colour printings. There may be small variations in the patterns of our dresses, giving each garment a unique character.

Some designs require up to five layers of colour and five separate blocks, all applied by hand.

The design is first drawn onto a wooden block and then carved out by hand. This is a highly skilled art by itself, and takes years to master.

Block printing on textiles with rich colours has been practised in Rajasthan for around 500 years

Meet the Artisans

Vijay Prakash Batham

Shanky Batham

Harun Khan

Vijay Prakash Batham

Aged seventy, Vijay is one of the most experienced printers in the Pink City Prints team, with over fourty years perfecting the craft. Alongside his job, Vijay has raised six children, ensuring that all were given a good education and a chance to follow their dreams. To his delight, one of his children has chosen to follow his footsteps and become a printer, preserving the family’s traditional craft techniques. Outside of work, Vijay has a keen interest in politics, movies and the news, staying up to date with current affairs at all times.

Shanky Batham

Raised in a family of dedicated block-printers, Shanky was taught the craft as a teenager by his father. Six years later, he now makes a living through block-printing. He loves that the job is always varied, with new designs and colours to experiment with. In his freetime, he enjoys relaxing with his family and is proud that he can preserve a craft passed down through the generations.

Harun Khan

Harun is the first printer in his family, choosing the profession due to the varied nature of the job and the chance to see new designs and colours every day. With six years of experience, Harun’s work is extremely neat with amazing attention to detail. Outside of the printing unit, Harun spends time visiting museums, socialising with friends and relaxing with his family.