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Dabu Printing
The dabu wood block
My original design carved in Bagru out of Teak wood
Dabu block ready to print
The block is dipped in dabu paste, made from calcium hydroxide (black clay), pounded wheat, gum, lime and water.
Printing
One hand printed block at a time, Deepak, the master dabu printer, deftly lines up the seemingly infinite design.
He shows me how its done
Deepak shows me the way of dabu print. The quick tap in the paste, the match up, press down knock on and quick roll up of the block.
I give it a try
Each print weaving together to create one continuous design
Saw dust on the mud
A little saw dust is thrown on the print so that the mud does not stick to itself.
Dyeing the fabric
Deepak and his wife dip the fabric in Indigo
Cleaning the mud off
After the fabric is dyed in Indigo, the mud is cleaned off.
Laying them out to dry
After cleaning the mud off, the fabrics are lain out to dry in the sun
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