Printing of Midnight Lotus one magnificent block at a time

Saffron Marigold - Updated: March 19, 2016

In this post we will walk through the block printing process for  Midnight Lotus. Symbolizing renewal, Midnight Lotus has ethereal white lotus blossoms gently adrift on a deep Persian blue ground.

We start with the border. Block #1

1-A

2nd row of the border. Block #2

2-B
2-C
2-F

Finish up the border. Here Block #1 is reused.

3-B

Border is done.

3-D

Filling out the border. Block #3

4-C
4-D
4-E

Block #4. Filling out the end of the fabric. This would be the simplest part of the job and is typically handled by an apprentice.

5-A
5-B

Border is complete.

5-C

On to the main print now. Block #4. You will notice the background color is blocked on to the white fabric.

6-A
6-D
6-E

The lotuses look pretty now. Block #5

7-A
7-B

Almost done.

7-D

Block #6 – the final overlay and we are all done.

8-B
8-C

Hope you enjoyed this visual journey into the making of Midnight Lotus. These beautiful living textiles are made with so much love and attention. Knowing what goes into printing them, hopefully, will make you fall in love with your linen even more.

Following is the inspiration for this print:

Envision a lotus pond at midnight … replete with ethereal white lotus blossoms, sinuously intertwined, floating gently on deep cobalt blue waters. The lotus enjoys rich material and spiritual symbolism in Indian art, religion and system of thought. The lotus, in which the gods discovered their grace and majesty; artists the subtlest expression of beauty; and mystics, dimensions of mysticism and intricate cosmic existence; is the primary flower of India. Since the lotus blooms from the underworld into light, the lotus motif is symbolically associated with transcending of mans spirit over worldly matter

You can browse the collection by clicking here.

We are always curious to find out if these posts are useful… as a fun survey, here’s a question for you: does knowing about what goes into printing our linen make a difference is how you feel about them? Will it have an impact on your buying decision? Do tell us by commenting below.

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