Ajrakh is a block printing technique that has been around for centuries. It’s one of the most popular choices for handlooms, and at Anemone Vinkel, we love Ajrakh Sarees because it celebrates nature in all its forms. The traditional colours and the meanings they hold add to the beauty of the patterns.
The indigo blue signifies the sky, while the red symbolizes the earth and the fire it withholds. The symmetrical designs in the Ajrakh Sarees which are black signify the night, whereas the white colour showcases the stars in the night sky. Ajrakh Modal Silk Saree or the modal silk Ajrakh saree is one of the most treasured Ajrakh Print Saree.
History of Ajrakh Sarees
The Ajrakh fabric is claimed to be around since medieval times. It is produced by the Khatris community in Kutch, Gujarat and is distinguished by its unique colour and detailed geometric and floral patterns. The most common pattern on the fabric is the trefoil which is made of three disks joined together to showcase the unity of the gods’ sun, earth and water. Ajrakh Silk Saree has popularized the traditional prints in the modern trend.
According to some, the name comes from the Arabic word ajrakh, which means blue. Another story says that “A king once grew fond of his bed sheet that he insisted the maids to let it stay on his bed for one more day, he muttered “Aaj ke din rakh”, the phrase which went on to be used to name the uniquely printed fabric as Ajrakh”.
You can shop modal silk ajrakh saree here.
Types of Ajrakh and how are Ajrakh Sarees Made
Ajrakh is printed as single-sided (ekpuri) and double-sided (bipuri). People with lower income opt for ekpuri ajrakhs, whereas those with higher income opt for bipuri ajrakh. The Bipuri ajrakh has the same pattern on both sides of the cloth with the same colour intensity.
Water impacts the quality of the final product. The artisans treat the fabric with oils and dyes. The iron content in the water determines whether it will be a success or a failure. The shades and colours of the dyes are highly impacted due to the water.
Ajrakh printing is a long and tedious process that requires several stages of printing and washing the fabric with different natural dyes. The technique of resist printing is incorporated. This means that the technique prohibits the absorption of the dye in the cloth where it’s not needed and allows the absorption of the dye where needed. This process takes nearly two weeks to finish, and the outcome is beautiful.
Initially, only blue and red were used in printing, but to keep up with modern trends; orange, green and other colours are incorporated now.
Our skilled artisans at Anemone Vinkel follow the authentic process of the Ajrakh silk saree block printing techniques where traditional hand-carved wooden blocks are used in the process. We promise to bring you traditional ajrakh modal silk saree with modern patterns and spectacular shades that will satisfy, the fashionista you.