How can we describe Ingenuity in a sentence? The quality of humans responsible for the development of the human race. To put it succinctly, ingenuity is responsible for where we are today. Indian art & craft is well known the world over, especially the hand-produced articles; the craftsmen are well appreciated & recognized for ingenuity. They are amazingly skilled in producing new and unique articles. Hand block printing is synonymous with Jaipur. Both Sanganer and Bagru in Jaipur are big centers for hand block printing industry. I’m sharing a monochrome picture of a hand block artisan this week that I clicked at Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in Jaipur.
The Indian hand block printing artisan in this picture was completely engrossed in his work. While I interacted with other artisans, I decided not to disturb him as he was busy matching the color to be used in the hand block printing process. He had with him a printed paper having color swatches and a piece of white fabric with color samples. As I composed this shot, he was leaning over the block printing table, mulling over the samples rubbing his temples repeatedly. I am convinced he must have developed something novel and unique. Anokhi Jaipur is well-known the world over for the Indian block printing. Anokhi’s contribution to documenting the Indian block printing process by way of a museum in Jaipur is noteworthy. Have you read the Anokhi Museum Jaipur blog? The Anokhi Museum Jaipur| Truly Anokhi?
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Nice to learn that hand block printing still exists in India, Arvind .
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So far yes! Artisans engaged in this craft are a worried lot! The new generation prefers not to be trained & engaged in hand block printing.
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It is good to see that the art of hand block printing is alive and well in India when in the rest of the world this art form has been on the decline. Thanks for sharing your thought and pictures, Arv!
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Here too it is on decline. The new generation prefers new age options of livelihood. Even though there is increase in demand but there are supply constraints.
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I was a regular at the Anokhi outlet in Delhi and Gurgaon. I love their stuff. Beautiful picture. You’ve captured all the care and thought that goes into producing each article.
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Wow. Interesting. You don’t visit Anokhi anymore? Thanks for appreciation. 😊
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No, I can’t because I don’t live in India.
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That’s just such a distinctive portrait, Arv, especially in B&W. It’s so wonderful that the hand wood blog printing is still alive, a rare and beautiful art. When being in Rajasthan I visited the paper city Sanganer, and was mesmerized to see the art of hand block printing.
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Thanks, Cornelia! There has been a resurgence of the handmade things lately. At the same time, there are not many people engaged in this craft. The new generation prefers not to be trained in these ancient techniques and art.
I’m glad you had a chance to experience this craft. Did you buy any block printed fabric during your trip to Sanganer or elsewhere in Jaipur?
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Thank you Arv, for your response. That’s quite sad to know, that there not many people anymore engaging in this beautiful and ancient craft. Oh, I bought a few pounds of block printed paper in Sanganer, because I do love to do paper work.
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I learnt something new today, Arvind. That there is an Anokhi museum too. How fascinating!
We like visiting the Anokhi store here. My husband swears my the block printed shirts there.
I love how you have captured the finer nuances of this man, hard at work.
Thank you for linking up with us on #WordlessWednesday.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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Since your husband likes Anokhi’s hand block printed shirts, I’m sure he will love visiting the museum.
Thanks for appreciating, Natasha. Happy to be a part of WW. 🙂
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I think I always love your black and white pictures the most, Arv. This is another lovely one!
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I’m glad you liked it, Mick. 🙂
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The old man engrossed in his work talks of so much creativity in the nooks and corners of our country.
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Absolutely. Even your home state has a well developed arts and crafts scene. Have you ever bought any craft or hand made product from your treks in remote Himalayan regions?
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I usually do so in all my travels 🙂
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Great, happy to hear that you support handmade crafts Neel 👍
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Always do, nothing like handcrafted goods.
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Ah, the word ingenuity. To me it means being an original, being inventive with your own skill. You used the word brilliantly to describe hand block printing in Jaipur. That is a wonderful monochrome shot, and I so agree when you say the man is looking engrossed in his work – your shot really captured that. Looks like he wants to get every print right 🙂
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Thanks for appreciating, Mabel. I was framing this up and the person was quite engrossed. Thanks for sharing your perspective on ingenuity. Haven’t seen you around – MIA?
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I’ll say it again. It really was a great shot 🙂 You’ve spot on. Been MIA. Enjoying life outside of blogging and offline 🙂
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Thanks, Mabel. Happy to hear that life’s good at your end. Being happy is all that matters friend 😊. I’m sure you will come up with a really interesting post sometime soon. I’m always fascinated by the subjects you pick; they are so unique.
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Thanks, Arv. Very nice of you to say. I know I can always enjoy your photography when I come around here 😊
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Thanks, Mabel for motivating. 🙂
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Hi Arv !!
Truly said!! Jaipur which is also known as pink city is mainly known for its heritage and handmade crafts. Being a resident of jaipur itself, it feels good to learn about the ancient heritage and glamour of our city.
Either way, keep up the good work..
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Thanks. I appreciate your views. 🙂
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