How to identify real block prints

 Block prints are created by hand-carving a design into a wooden block, which
is then coated with paint. Artisans firmly press these blocks onto fabric to
transfer the design. This art form originated in Jaipur and is celebrated for its
distinctiveness. Artisans meticulously repeat the same design across the
fabric, resulting in a stunning final product. Block prints are renowned for their
unique imperfections and skilled craftsmanship. Here are some helpful tips for
recoganising block prints when making a purchase.

• Uniformity vs. Diversity: Fabrics produced by machines have precise,
consistent patterns, while authentic block prints boast small
discrepancies that arise from the manual crafting process.

• Front and Back Difference: With true block prints, the front of the fabric
is significantly more vibrant compared to the reverse side. The back
may retain faint remnants of the design but lacks the sharpness and
clarity seen on the front.

• Dye Penetration: Hand-block printed textiles often reveal a slight
bleeding of dye into the material, whereas digital or screen-printed
fabrics exhibit a more precise and defined edge.

 • Texture: Authentic block prints utilize natural dyes, resulting in a more
organic, handcrafted appearance. Some areas of the print may have a
subtle raised or textured feel.

• Absorption: In hand-block printing, the natural dyes penetrate the fabrics,
 giving the print a cohesive look, unlike synthetic prints, which can
often feel like a surface layer rather than an integral part of the material.

• Alignment Marks: Block printing is a manual process that
employs stamps, slight irregularities may exist at the design's edges
where the stamps overlap. This feature is characteristic of handcrafted
work, while machine prints typically exhibit flawless, smooth edges.

• Smell: Natural dyes can sometimes emit an earthy or herbal aroma,
especially when the fabric is new.