15 michigandesign.com Botanical Handblock Prints Digital production continues to cut a wide swath in the fabric industry, but at least one Old World method is still thriving: handblock prints. The artisanal craft survives at Lee Jofa, which carries stunning hand-blocked prints, most of which are crafted in Thailand, though the art form originated in India. They’re made by applying inked blocks of carved wood on a ground cloth. Artisans hand-carve designs on the blocks, to which absorbent felt is affixed. They are then tapped with a hammer onto the cloth, which produces a layered coloring. The dye bleeds onto the back of the cloth, which is typically linen or a linen blend, although some are cotton. Many interior designers prefer using the reverse of a handblock print because of its softer, more Impressionistic look. Several of Lee Jofa’s handblock prints are botanical in design. The popular Hollyhock Print has been in continuous production since the early 1920s. Another favorite botanical print is the vibrant Tree of Life. Both are pictured. – George Bulanda LEE JOFA, SUITE 105 The colorful Tree of Life is a popular handblock print from Lee Jofa. Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock Print has been in constant production for nearly 100 years. Photos courtesy of Lee Jofa
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