The Craft
Made by Hand, Made to Last
Every Indigo Courtyard piece is created with skilled artisans who carry forward generations of Indian craftsmanship.
“We do not just put prints on fabric. Every piece carries the hands, the patience and the heritage of the people who made it.”The Indigo Courtyard Promise
I · Hand Block Printing
One Impression at a Time
Designs are first carved into blocks of sheesham wood by master carvers. The printer then dips the block in colour and presses it onto the fabric by hand, aligning each impression by eye. A single saree length can need hundreds of impressions, and a multi-colour design needs a separate block for every colour.
It is slow, careful and deeply human work, which is why every hand block print has a soul that screen printing cannot match.
From Block to Fabric
The journey of a hand block printed textile.
Carving
Motifs are hand carved into wooden blocks.
Preparing
Cotton is washed and softened to receive colour.
Printing
Blocks are pressed by hand, colour by colour.
Fixing
Colours are set, then the fabric is washed.
Sun Drying
Lengths are dried in the open under the sun.
II · The Printing Villages
Bagru & Sanganeri
Just outside Jaipur, two villages have been printing for centuries, each with its own unmistakable style.
Bagru
- Character
- Earthy, bold, rustic
- Palette
- Rust red, black, mustard on natural backgrounds
- Look for
- Geometric motifs, bold leaves and florals
Sanganeri
- Character
- Fine, delicate, graceful
- Palette
- Pastels and brights on white or ivory
- Look for
- Fine florals, buttas and delicate jaal
Dabu
- Character
- Soft-edged, organic, calm
- Palette
- Indigo and earth tones with ivory resist
- Look for
- Mud-resist patterns with gentle crackle
III · Natural Indigo
The Colour of Calm
Indigo is one of the oldest dyes known to humankind. Fabric is dipped again and again in the dye vat, and each dip deepens the blue. The lengths are then laid out in open fields to dry under the sun, as you can see in this photograph from our makers.
Natural indigo may soften and fade gracefully over time, enhancing the unique character of every handcrafted textile.
Shop Indigo
IV · Jaipur Blue Pottery
Painted with a Steady Hand
Jaipur's blue pottery is made from quartz stone powder instead of clay. Once shaped and dried, every piece is painted freehand with fine brushes in mineral colours, glazed and fired at a low temperature.
The craft grew under the patronage of Jaipur's royal family and remains one of the city's proudest traditions.
Shop Blue PotteryWhat We Believe
Craft First
Hand processes over shortcuts, always.
Artisan Partners
We work closely with the families who make our pieces.
Less Waste
Leftover fabric becomes dari, pouches and keychains.
Made to Last
Pieces meant to be used, loved and passed on.