Block Carving

Program

Transforming a rigid form into an expression of thoughts and imagination is a work of art. This time-honored and admirable skill is a matter of technique, patience, and much technical practice. The accumulation of these virtues evolve into a continuity of cultural inheritance and identity, among traditional family of block carvers.

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One-day Block Carving

Spend a day working alongside the master block carvers of the traditional Kharaudi community at their studio. Witness how countless moments of logic and imagination are balanced with dispassionate precision.

10000 INR
Individual Cost
8000 INR
Group Cost per Person (≥8)
Per request
Date
6 hours per day
Time
Jaipur
Offered at
Block Carving
Programs Included
—
Optional Excursions

Interact with traditional block carvers’ family. Contextual insights into wood as a material. Flip through archives of designs. Trace designs on wood. Hand carve your own blocks from start to finish.

Eight-day Workshop

Dissolving assumed and conventional separations between notions offer a new way of retaining and expanding sensitivity to multiple inherited traditions. Be humbled by the incredible degree of diversity and regional specialisation when the boundaries amongst four ancient crafts are blurred.

We let your method and approach overtake the dominant aesthetic.

82000 INR
Individual Cost
70000 INR
Group Cost per Person (≥8)
Per request
Date
6 hours per day
Time
Bagru, Jaipur
Offered at
Traditional Textiles
Optional Excursions

Spend a day with master block carvers, carve your own designs, and learn the craft’s nuances. Print on cotton with self-carved block designs or draw with brush, tjanting. Use traditional inks, hot wax-resist, mud-resist, shibori, tie-dye, and various natural dyes and pastes to create your collection and swatches. Insights into the nature of cellulose, protein fibers, the role of minerals, plant based mordants. Set up a natural indigo fermentation vat and learn the science of extracting indigo plant to pigment.

Photos from Us

 a busy scene of a artisan from jaipur meticulously working on a piece of wood. Intricately detailed drawings can be seen on the paper, exhibiting the careful craftsmanship of an wood block carver. a woman engrossed in her work, meticulously carving a piece of wood, while her hands skillfully wielding the tool in her possession. the person is using a metal tool to create or modify the piece of wood, a form of craftsmanship. an intriguing scene of various items arranged on a wooden table. a calm, cozy atmosphere, perhaps in a block carver artistan's workshop

Quotes from You

The process, the tempo, the structure and the way in which information was shared was excellent. I felt neither rushed nor overwhelmed over the course of the two days despite all the information I was so eager to know and learn.

The information presented with mix of theory and practical and the focus on the process was something I enjoyed the most. I really appreciate the work you have done in developing Wabisabi and your commitment to natural dyes and then to share that knowledge.

Very friendly and relaxed environment. I appreciate the deep respect you have for the craft and it’s history. I enjoyed how you let us gradually get into the groove and so much knowledge you willingly shared.

I enjoyed learning about the history and traditional processes, the flexibility of tailoring the experience to work for our unique need and the tour of Bagru. This will be our special memories I will carry away from our India trip.

I loved that we get free reign to create whatever we wanted. The space was so calm and soothing to be in, felt really at home and free to explore. Felt welcomed to ask questions.

I really enjoyed being immersed in the art of block printing and dyeing. It was an amazing experience for our entire group. I would like to come again.

Recommended Excursions

Bagru ka Tour is an experience of walking through a series of visceral nature of livelihoods connected to the crafts of hand-making in textiles.

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Breathe Easy

The countryside location of our studio has been designed with natural ventilation in mind, with large windows and doors that allow the breeze to flow through.

The design prioritizes open spaces for people can move around and socialize freely without feeling confined. The pockets of privacy and community provide a sense of security and belonging. The studio embraces industrial style and leaves essential elements and services exposed, albeit neatly arranged, providing easy access for maintenance.

Jaipur

Our collaboration extends to Abdul Sattar Kharadi, who hosts block carving workshops at his studio. He proudly carries forward a rich tradition of block carvers that spans nearly three centuries. During the inception of Jaipur, his forebears were resettled from Sanganer to Purani Basti. Eventually, he relocated to his present studio, situated in close proximity to Albert Hall. Within his community, the craft of block carving is held in high esteem, emphasizing the pursuit of excellence through the creation of blocks known for their exceptional quality.
Over the years, working with Nature has helped us realise 'less is more and usually more effective'. We intend to continue working hard to make simple systems more sophisticated.