Copper Printing Block

Indian block printing is an art form that originated in India during ancient times. It involves carving a block of teak wood with an intricate pattern and then using it to press ink onto fabric like silk or cotton. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Indian block printed apparel and art.

A printing block is sometimes called a printmaking block, a wood block or a block. You can also refer to one simply as a printing block. Artists carve printmaking blocks with designs, apply ink and then press them against a surface to produce artwork. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of block prints from some of the world's top galleries.

The oldest known example of block printing is the Diamond Sutra. Produced around 886 CE, the scroll is a Buddhist religious text and was discovered in Dunhuang, China. Anthropologists believe that the Chinese developed the art of block printing 4,000 years ago, but so far, none of the earlier works have been discovered. On 1stDibs, find a variety of block prints from some of the world's top galleries.

Rajasthan is the Indian state that is most famous for block printing, though it is also a popular dyeing method in a variety of other states. Rajasthan features various cities known for different techniques of this textile printing method. On 1stDibs, find a range of authentic Indian block printed textiles.