Burnt Maroon Sand

Cotton shirt hand printed by wood blocks. Natural dyes are used while dying the fabric. Due to them being printed by hand, small imperfections are present in the shirt. These bring the design to life and make each shirt one of a kind. Our shirts are made in Jaipur, India—a city renowned for its centuries-old tradition of block printing. Each piece reflects the care, skill, and heritage of artisans who continue this time-honored craft using hand-carved wooden blocks and plant-based dyes.

adhukala shirts are printed by hand in Jaipur, India. We work with local artisans, to design and make each shirt. With little intervention, this shirt is true to block printing traditions in Jaipur.

Block Printing in Jaipur, India

Block printing in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is one of the most well-known and historically significant textile traditions in India. The technique involves hand-printing intricate patterns onto fabrics using hand-carved wooden blocks, known locally as chhapa. This art form has been practiced in the region for centuries and remains a central part of Jaipur’s textile identity.

The craft was brought to the region by the Chhipa community, who settled in towns like Bagru and Sanganer near Jaipur. These towns have since become internationally recognized centers for traditional block printing. Sanganer is known for its fine detailing and vibrant color work, often on white or light-colored backgrounds. Bagru printing is typically characterized by the use of natural dyes and bold, earthy motifs printed on darker fabrics.

Wooden blocks used in Jaipur are hand-carved from teak or sheesham wood, and each color in a design requires a separate block. The process involves washing and preparing the fabric, applying mordants or resist pastes, and stamping patterns in a highly precise and labor-intensive sequence. Natural dyes such as indigo, pomegranate, turmeric, and madder root are traditionally used.

Block printing in Jaipur continues to thrive today, supported by both domestic and international demand the craft remains a vital source of livelihood for artisans and a symbol of the region’s enduring cultural heritage.