Craft Of Brilliance – Ajrakh From Tjori Of India

A remarkable feature of Ajrakh printing is that on a single fabric, using the same design, resist printing is combined with other printing and dyeing techniques. The whole process is repeated on both sides of the fabric in perfection, which calls for unsurpassed skill. Ajrakh uses mud-resist at various stages and dyeing and printing is repeated twice on the fabric to ensure brilliance of color. Superimposing the repeats is done so perfectly that the clarity is sharpened.

Black And Tangerine Ajrakh Print Tote Bagr
Add a dash of color to your look with this vivid tangerine tote bag crafted with cruelty free leather. This versatile bag has a spacious size and comes along with a detachable pouch, which could be used individually too. This contemporary ajrakh bag reflects an everlasting aura of elegance and style.
Beige Ajrakh Sling Bagr
Featuring an all-over Ajrakh print and an adjustable strap, this trendy sling bag exudes a feminine charm. To add to its glory this bag is decorated a golden charm.

To identify Ajrakh one needs to look for fabric with a background of red or blue, although now colors like yellow and green have also been making big on the scene. Traditionally four colors were used red (alizarin), blue (indigo), black (iron acetate) white (resist). The Ajrakh makers believe that the printed fabric has warm and cool colors which steady the body temperature… blue is cooling and red is warm

Mint Green Ajrakh Cotton Blouse With Front Self-Tie Bowr
Add a hint of modern-ethnic flair to your festive look with this cotton blouse adorned with a contemporary front self-tie bow. Handcrafted with finesse and decorated with all over ajrakh print, this mint green blouse is sure to be a conversation starter.

Mint Green Ajrakh Cotton Skirtr
Boasting a flared silhouette and contrasting border adorned with exquisite ajrakh print, this skirt reflects effortless styling and timeless elegance. Add this handcrafted cotton skirt to your wardrobe for a contemporary look this festive season.
Process

The printing blocks have to be very finely chiseled and by experts in the field. The white cotton cloth is placed in a copper container with water and soda ash, then steamed to soften it and washed in running water preferably in a river. Soap is applied to it as it is spread over a large cauldron of water. It is then dipped in a mixture of oils, squeezed out and kept overnight. The fabric is washed out the next day and soaked in a mixture of powdered sakun seeds and oil and dried again after which it acquires a dull beige color. The fabric is washed in running water which results in a luminous and beautiful product.

Today the preparation has been scaled down with short cut methods as no one has the time to go into such laborious procedures. But the intricacy and delicacy of lines are sacrificed. Inclusion of chemical dyes diffuses the quality of the colors. Today the scarcity of water has interfered with the production. The natural products used of late are gums, oil, clay lime, sakun seeds and molasses.

Beige Cotton Slub Shirt With Ajrakh Print Cuffsr
The beautifully crinkle cut and hand crafted Ajrakh print cuffs provide an elegant aesthetic to this 100% beige cotton slub shirt, ideal to brighten up your everyday outfits. This regular fit shirt also has fine ajrakh detailing on its collars for a mesmerising little surprise.

Dark Blue Ajrakh Kalidar Skirt With Tasselsrnàla mode Kalidar long skirts enriched by the eternal prints of Baghru, Kalamkari and Ajrakh. Tailored in flared fit and made from 100% cotton fabric with tassels on the side. Baghru and Ajrakh belong to the West and exhibit traditional block printing while Kalamkari belongs to the South made with a string of complex techniques on fabric executed with utmost precision. Brimming with sophistication, these skirts are a must for your Spring-Summer wardrobe.

Ajrakh is an example of textile printing in which natural dyes are used. Previously many kinds of vegetable dyes were prevalent in our country and put to use. Rather than allow the ecological balance to tilt due to the use of chemical dyes it is necessary to relate to nature and explore plant resources.

Tjori is a marketplace of unique designs from across the globe. Our vision is to bring the world a little closer and make all discover worthy products, discoverable and within your reach. We are a group of passionate & energetic people working to make that vision a reality. Contributing to our collection are artisans & designers from India & beyond. We work together to curate a collection of handcrafted products.

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