Wood Block Making Craft

Woodblock is the main tool used in hand block printing. It is a finely carved stamp made up of seasoned teakwood. These wood blocks are produced in the various regions across India namely Farukhabad in Uttarpradesh, Bagh in Madhyapradesh, Sanganer & Barmer of Rajsthan, Pethapur in Gujarat, Masulipatnam of Andhrapradesh and West Bengal.

Pethapur, situated near the Capital of Gujarat Gandhinagar is one of the centers of woodblock making. It is famous for its finely carved wooden blocks all over the world since 16th century. Pethapur situated 34 kms away from Ahmedabad is the only surviving centre of wood block carving in Gujarat. Originally Gajjar (carpenter) community was involved into this craft.

Wood blocks of Pethapur registered under GI (geographic indication) as “Pethapur printing blocks” in 2018 for its unique block-making skills by the efforts of Gujarat Council of Science and Technology (GUJCOST), Gandhinagar

The craftsmen must have good knowledge of geometry to make a perfect block for seamless printing in terms of design, repeat and level of block. Craftsmen must require skill, precision, concentration and immense patience while carving block. It requires three years of learning to be acquainted with craft skills.

Essentials of Wood Block Making

RAW MATERIALS

Wood : In Pethapur, seasoned teak wood is used for making blocks due its inherent properties of durability, strength(hardness) and long shelf life.
Oil : Oil was the other raw material which is used after the block is made. The prepared block used to immerse in oil for 2-3 days to make the surface water repellent. Cooking oil is used