Block Prints From India For Textiles

Imprints of Culture: Block Printed Textiles of India outlines the chronological evolution of block printing in India, analysing and discussing the various processes involved and the regional variations. It also portrays how this craft helped India create a global visual identity for itself.

The Newberry Collection is of considerable historical importance, and the largest in the world of its kind. Most of it is medieval, dating back to the eleventh century. This catalogue is destined to become a standard work of reference for any future research into historical textiles; it includes an analysis of the history, design, function, and technique of the textiles, and will be published to coincide with a symposium and an exhibition of Textiles in Indian Ocean Trade at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, July-October 1997.

Design enthusiasts and armchair travelers will love circling the globe with celebrated textile designer John Robshaw. From batiks in Java to ikats in Thailand and indigo printing in India, Robshaw reveals the lush inspiration behind his signature style while highlighting step-by-step block printing techniques from local artisans and masters. Robshaw provides a rare glimpse into his creative process, wherein he blends traditional methods with his own painterly style for entirely unique creations, and shares tips for incorporating textiles into any space. Brimming with beautiful photographs of covetable textiles, far-flung destinations, and eye-catching interiors, this luxe fabric-covered book is an eclectic visual tour of the rich tradition of textile printing.

This vibrant volume showcases a stunning collection of Indian textiles from the V&A, and explores in depth their history, production techniques, and designs. Textiles have a long and distinguished history on the Indian subcontinent, from the dazzling woven silks worn by royalty to the simple block-printed patterns worn by the masses. Drawing from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s world-class collection, this beautiful and informative reference features breathtaking and varied textile designs, techniques, and colors. Each piece is examined in detail through close-up shots of the fabric and patterns, and demonstrates different weaving techniques, allowing readers to see precisely how the textile was made. Divided into three chapters by pattern style—“Floral,” “Figurative,” and “Geometric”—each chapter comprises an introduction to the style’s history along with its intended use. This authoritative volume overflows with distinctive colors and patterns to inspire and inform the reader about the history of Indian textiles and patterns, their intended use, and the methods by which they were made.

"Published to accompany the exhibition The Fabric of India at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, from 3 October 2015 to 10 January 2016"--Title page verso.