Picture Details
Method of block-printing chintz
Partner:
British LibraryImage reference:
BL.Add.Or.5110Origin:
North, IndiaArtist / Date:
Unknown, c.1820Donor / Date:
Hastings AlbumsDescription:
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This Patna style water-colour painting shows the method of printing chintz. The word 'chintz' comes from the Hindi 'chint' meaning variegated, and was applied to printed or painted calico cloth. Calico cloth took its name from the Indian port of Calicut and was used as a generic name for all Indian cotton fabric, including plain, printed, stained, woven or dyed. Chintz stood out for its colourful floral patterns and unique starched sheen which gave an impression of satin, even while possesing a glossy wipe clean property. It was this latter quality that insured its lasting place in English interiors. Traders of the East India Companies brought back chintz to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. The best achievements of making chintz lay in the mastery of colour-fast dyeing techniques, and the fabulous designs and colour combinations produced by hand-painting and wood-blocking. The method of block-printing in north India using wooden design blocks can be seen in this painting.
