Khari print: The Art of Metallic Embossing

Do you know why texture printing still remains so relevant in the world of 3D printing today?

Here is the answer.

Although 3D painting has its own distinct characteristics, it can create a tangible object within seconds, but texture printing has its own aesthetic value. 

In Western India, this khari printing is famous primarily for its aesthetic appeal. 

Just like any other background story, Khari also has its own evolving history as well.

There is a quote which says, the more you travel, the more you explore and evolve. Khari’s story resembles that. This printing travelled all the way from Persia to India and settled in peace in the dusty land of Sindh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The main reason why Khari’s glamour still radiates is because of its unfaded beauty. Once the motifs are cemented on the fabric, it seems like the glory is injected into the garment with a binding agent. 

The methods of doing Khari print

There are two distinct methods for this printing.

The older one is called the Rogan way. In this technique, the caster oil and the resin are shove in an earthen pot, then it is heated until the mixture becomes a rubbery dough.

After the paste is done, it is kneaded with white flour or white powder, and then the printing is done using it with a trough-like brass mould. 

The other printing is called Gum paste printing. Here, the special liquid secreted from the tree is mixed with chalk. Then, gold and silver shimmery leaves or the metallic powder are mixed to make the paste more glittery.

After the processing completes, it is pasted on the fabric using a wooden block.

As the base of the paste is made of Chalks or ‘Khari’, Thatwhy the printing is called the Khari print.

But this print makes the whole fabric quite rigid. Which is what the optimists claimed, Khari print is the most unique form of cloth, which can be differentiated with the closed eye in the dark.

Khari print’s dazzling look sometimes and gives tough competition to Zardousi as well. 

The Special motifs done on Khari printing 

The motifs that are drawn with the Khari print are quite different from others. Religious symbols, festive gatherings, and ancient Jain manuscripts are printed on the saree to adorn. 

But with the evaluation of the saree, the motifs also got their appraisal. Nowadays, the picture of garden buds, creepers and the tree of life is used as the khari motifs. 

You must have seen the current social media trends where the peacock and parrot are hiding in a pattern; you have to find them using your rapt attention and observant power. These special types of motifs are basically inspired from the Khari print. 

From Ghagra, tablecloth to cushion, khari’s popularity was once all over. But currently, due to the synthetics, the Khari print fabrics are now facing a brutal onslaught. 

FAQs 

1. What is Khari cotton?

When the khari print is done upon the cotton fabric is called the khari cotton.

2. Which cotton is costly?

The Sea Island cotton is considered the most expensive cotton in the world.

3. How many khari print technique is there?

There are two types of Khari print techniques in the world. One is called the Rogan technique, and the other is called the gum paste technique. But both the Khari making processes are different from each other.

4. What khari print fabrics are trendy these days?

Khari print saree, khari print kurti, khari print kurtas are trendy these days.

5. Is Khari print a block print?

Yes, the Khari print is a block print.