Dabu Hand Block Cotton Fabric

DABU print This precise, exclusive and mud resist hand block printing is a traditional art from Bagru, Rajasthan. The technique of Dabu print is interesting and complicated involving multiple stages and artisans with different unique skillsets. The fabric is first washed for removing impurities and then the motifs are printed with blocks dipped into fast dyes. Traditional dabu prints use natural dyes like kashish, indigo, pomegranate peels etc. The most crucial step is when mud resist is used giving the print a unique effect. Mud, gum, lime and wheat chaff are mixed to make a paste and then applied on the fabric as per the design. The fabric is then dried in the sun and later dipped into a vat of dye and again spread out for sun drying. Fabrics can be dyed multiple times creating double or triple dabu effect reflecting a richer look. The motifs of dabu prints are inspired from nature; geometric shapes, dots and wavy lines are repeated throughout the fabric, creating a vein like effect. Interestingly, it looks even more authentic and exotic if the mud paste cracks and leaks during the process. Finished dabu print fabric is unique for its radiant patterns in outstanding detailed prints.