Manipur block printing is a traditional textile art that involves printing intricate patterns on fabric using carved wooden blocks and natural dyes. Block printing in Manipur developed as a decorative art form for textiles, particularly seen in traditional attire like the phanek and innaphi.
Wooden blocks are hand-carved with traditional motifs, like flowers, animals, or tribal symbols. The blocks are dipped in natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric, madder root and pressed firmly onto stretched fabric. The fabric is dried, washed, and sometimes treated for color fixation.
Manipur block printing is characterised by repetitive stamping for uniformity and pattern flow. Hand-carving the blocks with precision and the use of geometric and floral motifs with tribal significance.
