kalateet
Ancient Echoes, Modern Design: The Bagru Resurgence Project
“Unfolding the Fabric of Time: A Century-Old Block Print Revival”
In the midst of India’s rich cultural diversity, an art form that had been forgotten is being carefully resurrected. A block print that is a hundred years old, once obscured in the depths of history, is now being revived. This project is not just about the resurgence of an art form, but it also stands as a tribute to the enduring strength of our cultural legacy. It’s a voyage that intertwines elements of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. It’s a journey that merges threads of historical storytelling, artisanal expertise, and creative novelty. In this project, the aim is not just to restore a block print; it’s about injecting life into a piece of our history, rekindling a narrative that has been quietly waiting for its moment for a century. Join in this extraordinary journey of revival, rediscovery, and rejuvenation.
The project was done in collaboration with Satayam Gartex, a Pvt Ltd is an export company, it is a redefined textile store inspired from
Rajasthan Fabrics & Arts, a store that houses exquisite antiques from all over the world,
located in the walled pink city along the city palace and also surrounded by monuments
like Jantar Mantar,City Palace and Hawa Mahal.
Bagru block printing, originating from Rajasthan, India, is a centuries-old craft using intricately carved wooden blocks and natural dyes. It embodies India's rich textile heritage, showcasing cultural motifs and symbolism. Beyond aesthetics, its eco-friendly methods and handmade process contribute to its appeal. Today, Bagru printing evolves to meet modern tastes while preserving tradition, making it a timeless art form cherished for generations. This project celebrates Bagru block printing by reviving century-old designs into contemporary home furnishings, with the assistance of Titanwala's skilled blockprinting artisans of Bagru
INSPIRATION
The inspiration for this project is time - an element as
elusive as it is omnipresent. Time leaves its mark on
everything it touches, subtly altering hues, softening edges,
and adding character. These are not imperfections; they are badges of honor, symbols of resilience and adaptability.
They are stories waiting to be told.
In this project, I seek to incorporate these elements into the designs. By looking at how time has weathered and worn-out blocks and designs all around, how it has faded pigments, and how it has softened fabrics. I took these elements - these stories of survival and weave them into our designs.
The result is a collection that is not just visually stunning but also rich in history and meaning.
Mission
This project embarks on an intriguing exploration of reviving age-old block prints,seamlessly incorporating them into a modern line of home furnishings using the Bagru block printing technique. The aim is to infuse a fresh take of life into these century-old prints safeguarding their cultural relevance while tailoring them to suit contemporary aesthetics
Vision
This project stands as a testament to the enduring charm of block prints. and their adaptability in modern home furnishings. It pays homage to the craftsmen of yesteryears, commemorates cultural heritage, and serves as a guiding light for future advancements in the realm of home decor. In short, celebrates the ‘Kaalateet’ (timeless) beauty of this wonderful craft.
THE PINK CITY
The city is a blend of the old and the new. It is proud of its rich past and respects it. Rajasthan now receives the majority of its income from tourism, which is its main source of dependence. Travelers from all over the world swarm to the Pink City to experience its enchantment.
Jaipur is the ideal location for this project
because of its ageless appeal and rich historical background. The city itself is proof of the timeless appeal of custom and the unstoppable passage of time. Its vivid streets, historic structures, and
eye-catching bazaars convey the tale of a city
that embraces change while holding to its heritage.
Sketch Exploration
“Venturing into and illustrating the history in their surroundings, drawing
motivation from the encountered visuals and the literary works seen.”
The final seven archived prints chosen for revival.
100-120 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
90-100 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
100-150 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
100-150 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
100-150 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
90-100 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
100-150 years old
Source unknown
Archive Collection
Motifs and Colour
In the realm of design, the revival of a hundred-year-old block print is not merely an exercise in nostalgia, but a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional motifs and techniques. This project, inspired by the inexorable flow of time, seeks to accommodate these motifs as close to their original form as possible, underscoring their timeless appeal and
significance in contemporary design. Block printing, with its rich history and intricate motifs, offers a unique language of design. Each motif is a word, each combination a sentence, telling tales of times gone by. By preserving these motifs in their original form, we pay homage to their origins and ensure that these stories continue to be told.
Motif alteration with colors
In contemporary home furnishing, darker and brighter colors hold significant sway. Bright hues inject vitality, while darker tones offer sophistication and depth. Both provide versatility for creative expression, defining spaces and evoking moods. When reviving century-old block prints with Bagru block printing, these colors accentuate intricate patterns, infusing them with modern appeal. Ultimately, they add vibrancy, depth, and personality to interior design, complementing traditional craftsmanship for stylish living spaces.
Selected prints with color change
MOTIF ALTERATIONS
Geometric lines, stripes, and spacing are essential in contemporary home furnishing for their ability to provide order and visual clarity. They create balance and harmony, while adding depth and dimension to decor. These patterns can also optimize space, making rooms feel larger and more spacious. Additionally, they offer endless opportunities for creative expression and customization, defining areas within a room or highlighting architectural features. In reviving century-old block prints with Bagru block printing, geometric elements add a modern twist to traditional designs, appealing to modern consumers. Overall, they are integral for creating stylish and functional living environments that blend tradition with modernity.
