Blockprinting

LEHARIA

The geometric Leharia print combines strength and grace in its regularity. Named for the wave forms that crash against the shore, it is inspired by a monsoon story of love. As the story goes, women would wear pink Leharia saris into monsoon festivals and dance in the streets; if the pink colour came off on your skin, you’d be loved forever.

MOBI

The unique Mobi print combines clean lines and an organic pattern, referring to the growth and harvest of the cotton bol. The elegant simplicity of this unique repeat print has its origins in the Meghval community, a peace-loving tribe traditionally engaged in the handloom weaving of cotton. It resembles a ripe cotton bol bursting open, and is always represented with three petals. A combination of clean lines in an organic pattern, it calls to mind growth and the season of harvest.

ICHING

The IChing print features Fire and Water, two elements that oppose and balance each other. While Fire symbolises careful thought and precaution, Water is a soulful flow that freely transforms into its different states. In its interpretation, one is precise and calculated while the other is carefree and spontaneous. As told in its intended context, the two are siblings; though contrasting in nature, they complement each other in union.

BOTTOM LINE

The Bottom Line motif is a simplification of the original Kangura motif, using only the lines of its inspiration. Traditionally used as a border design for Rajasthani houses, the architectural Kangura print is a sign of protection and defense of loved ones.

CHAPA

Blockprinted on high density cotton, the Chapa print is freeform in its structure. The blockprinting process for this motif is unique to its own – instead of setting guidelines for the arrangement of the prints, we encouraged the artisans to find the freedom to choose their own placements. Every piece is a mark of their creative expression.

AKIN

Derived from the word ‘kin’, Akin speaks of stories from the forgotten past, mapping out the threads that connect us to our ancestors. These three motifs are an ode towards designer-collaborator Joanna Kambourian’s Armenian-Dutch roots, drawing inspiration from the intricate patterns of her great grandfather’s rugs. An amalgam between ancient meanings and contemporary framework, Akin combines the strength of the Dragon, the healing properties of the Pomegranate, and the sealing protection from the Amulet.

KANGURA

Traditionally used as a border design for Rajasthani houses, the architectural Kangura print is a sign of protection and defense of loved ones. Triangles are printed on the top wall in bold red to signify powerful spikes, while a triumvirate of black lines dominates the lower wall to bless new homes with a strong foundation.

ALPINE RHYTHM

Being borne out of the eastern extremity of the Western Himalayas, this unique linear art represents the traditional folk art of Kumaon. The motif draws inspiration from the eight petaled lotus seat, used for worshipping Goddess Saraswati. The name Saraswati means ‘the essence of self’. She is often found seated on an eight petaled lotus, symbolizing supreme knowledge and purity of the soul. The motif creates a divine rhythm, and motivated us to look within ourselves with a mindful eye.

MOUNTAIN SPIRIT

Being borne out of the eastern extremity of the Western Himalayas, this unique linear art represents the traditional folk art of Kumaon. The motif represents the fusion of our environment and metaphysical realms. A reflection of delicacy and grace, influenced by the peace and serenity of the hills of the region. It expresses the spirit of the mountain and its people – their stubborn courage and indomitable will.

MYSTIC MOUNTAIN

Being borne out of the eastern extremity of the Western Himalayas, this unique linear art represents the traditional folk art of Kumaon. It tells a story of self-discovery – of connecting the dots through time and looking within our souls. The motif draws inspiration from the mystic geometric patterns of the worshipping seats used in Kumaon that mark the difference stages of life – right from birth to eternity. There is a certain simplicity in the complexity of the pattern, which follows an underlying structure representing the universe within.

SILLA

Deconstructed from the Kangura print, these silla are boldly simple lines that form the backbone of many block print motifs. Printed here using the ‘charchara’ or dry block technique which is reminiscent of the texture of a sunwashed wall.

BHALKA

Worn by nomadic tribes and skilled artisans of iron, this bold repeat pattern derives from a large spear or arrow head motifs. The Bhalka is traditional for the Gadia Lohar, iron workers historically renowned for the fierce defense of their identity and skilled artisans of the bhala spear. Also called the Banjari print, it is still worn today by the nomadic Banjara community in Gujarat.

PHILIPPINES

Triangles usually denote rice sheaves or man made daggers and sharp teeth, protecting the person with this cloth. The spectacularly bold motif is designed by Anya Lim from Anthill Fabric Gallery as part of the Then&There edition. Its geometrical, angular rhythm is inspired by the Philippines’ namesake as the Sunshine Nation, the rays on the sun in the national flag and carvings on a local gong called Kulintang.

SINGAPORE

The Singapore print is designed by Yah Leng Yu from Foreign Policy Design Group as part of the Then&There edition. It speaks of the sou-sou tile patterns in this island nation’s kopitiam coffeeshops, a hallmark of this melting pot of cultures. Elegantly nostalgic in its modern simplicity.