The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing is located in the UNESCO award-winning Anokhi Haveli in the city of Amer, just outside Jaipur. Owned by the Anokhi Foundation, the museum houses examples of the rich tradition of hand-printing or block-printing fabrics found in Rajasthan. The staff of Anokhi decided to document the current state of block printing, the old with the new and the Anokhi Museum opened in 2005. They listened to the craftsmen and their stories about the world of printing and textiles.
Today Block Printing has exploded with the demand in market. Historically, Royal patronage fuelled this domestic trade. The extraordinary prints were highly prized and eventually grew internationally. By the late 1950’s block printing became stagnant, but interest from hippies from around the world re-introduced it to the markets. India has resumed this old tradition, with an increase in demand from domestic as well as international markets. Indian designers have re-created old traditional motifs and given them a new ‘edge’. Many fashion designers have re- introduced these designs and one can see them on the catwalks in New York and London as well as in Bombay.
The Museum is a little gem in the middle of practically nowhere and is a must see. This old restored “haveli” has a café outside in the courtyard where one can cool down with some refreshing drinks. Architecturally, this was a very beautiful building to see as well.
