Indian Tapestries and Spreads 

Given the name tapestry as they are a form of textile art. Indian tapestries and spreads are very popular these days and with good reason. One look at an Indian tapestry or spread and you can see the enormous amount of thought and work that goes into creating them. They are made of 100% cotton offering easy wash and wear care. The colors are vibrant and the designs are often incredibly intricate. The overall appearance, of an Indian wall tapestry or spread, is one of peace and gentle flow. They are truly works of art. 

Many of these patterns are as ancient as India itself. They are simply amazing to look at and they are beautiful additions to any home or office. For gifts, they cannot be beaten for their affordability, uniqueness, and versatility.

 

Some of the most popular techniques that have been handed down through the centuries are:

BAGRU - This small but immensely productive village near Jaipur contains a large community of printers. The skills of the Bagru printers were patronized by the Jaipur court over 200 years ago, they are probably the best known and most easily recognized designs in our range. Bagru printers have always been the most accessible to the outside world and in turn, have adopted many new and different styles from outside influences into their wide repertoire using their own traditional techniques. You will love our Bagru Indian tapestries and spreads. 

KALAMKARI - Originally a Persian word meaning "drawing on cloth". While the technique probably existed several centuries before, the style as we know them today emerged from the great craft schools that sprang up under the patronage of the Moghul emperors about three centuries ago. The style much favored by the Moghul courts were adopted by the printing communities on the Coromandel coast of southeast India and most of the production is now hand block printed by a small number of family groups in and around the old fishing port of Masulipatam. While block printing is a much faster method of production than hand painting each piece it is still laborious and involves the use of a large number of blocks for each design. The intricate designs, the elaborate borders and the innate understanding of balanced composition have given Kalamkari a well-deserved place in the evolution of printed design. You will love our Kalamkari Indian tapestries and spreads. 

RAJASTHAN - Rajasthan is the most colorful state in India and it is reflected in its forms of textiles. The tradition of printing with finely engraved wooden blocks distinguishes it from other states. The block printed textiles of India became famous in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe when the East India Company began to export them in bulk. The block prints are mostly executed on a white or off-white background, using screen printers or wooden blocks. They are usually colorful floral patterns and known for their fine and intricate detailing. You will love our Rajasthan Indian tapestries and spreads. 

BLOCK PRINTS - Block printing on textiles refers to the technique by which carved wooden blocks covered with dye are repeatedly pressed along a length of cloth to create a repeated pattern. What makes this technique unique is the fact that the design has to be first carved onto the wooden block by hand, and then pressed onto the fabric by hand. India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block printed fabric in the world. Some of the various types of block printing include Dabu, Kalamkari, Bagru, Chilani, and Ajrakh. The different types of block printing techniques are often directly related to the region of India from which they were created. You will love our block print Indian tapestries and spreads. 

PAISLEY - The ever-popular paisley design can be traced back to the Indo-European cultures more than 2000 years ago. The paisley pattern was originally represented in Celtic art but later died out under the influence of the Roman Empire. Paisley was quickly adopted in India and the motif continued to flourish in many forms of art. The impact was so dramatic and became so popular that paisley became renowned worldwide and has remained fashionable for centuries. You will love our paisley Indian tapestries and spreads. 

DABU - The Resist Process called Dabu involves using wax or gum clay mixed with resin. With the help of brush or block or by hand this is applied to the portions of the cloth. The color is then applied to it. The wax is then washed off in hot or flowing water and the applied color moves into this area to give a diffused effect. This process is somewhat similar to the batik process. Block printing is then applied on the portion of the cloth where the original color is retained. The fabric is highlighted by printing specific outlines and patterns against the contrast color. Due to the use of wax, the designs get a broken appearance like batik due to the leakage of color once the resist is washed off. Many of the dyes used in Dabu are derived from vegetable dyes and kashish dyes. You will love our Dabu Indian tapestries and spreads. 

JAIPUR - The Jaipur prints have been one of the leaders of hand block printed textiles for more than 500 years. The opulent cultural heritage of Jaipur city is distinctly evident even today in its exquisite textile prints. The elegant prints of Jaipur are directly influenced by the royalty who at one time formed the niche clientele. A harmonious blend of a variety of elaborate yet sophisticated designs in delicate shades on a single piece of cloth place the prints in a class of their own. Today, Jaipur prints are internationally recognized for their ethnic designs on pure cotton using natural and vegetable-based dyes. You will love our Jaipur Indian tapestries and spreads. 

TIE-DYE - Tie-dye is a process of resist dyeing textiles which are made from knitted or woven fabric, usually cotton. It is a modern version of traditional dying methods used in many cultures throughout the world. Tie-dying became fashionable in the West in the late 1960s. It was popularized by musicians such as John Sebastian, Janis Joplin, and Joe Cocker. Tie-dying is accomplished by folding the material into a pattern and binding it with string or rubber bands. Dye is then applied to only parts of the material. The ties prevent the entire material from being dyed. Designs are formed by applying different colors of dyes to different sections of the wet fabric. Once complete, the material is rinsed, and the dye is set. You will love our Tie Dye Indian tapestries and spreads. 

BATIK - Evidence of this ancient technique can be traced back to over 2000 years ago from many regions of the world. Samples of this ancient art form have been found in Egypt, Middle East, Turkey, India, China, Japan, and West Africa. Batik is achieved when melted wax is applied to cloth before being dipped in dye. It is common for people to use a mixture of beeswax and paraffin wax. The beeswax will hold to the fabric and the paraffin wax will allow cracking, which is a characteristic of batik. Wherever the wax has seeped through the fabric, the dye will not penetrate. Sometimes several colors are used, with a series of dyeing, drying and waxing steps. After the last dyeing, the fabric is hung up to dry. Then it is dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or ironed between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that give batik its character. In one form or another, batik has worldwide popularity. You will love our Batik Indian tapestries and spreads. 

Our selection of Indian tapestries and spreads are unsurpassed. These gorgeous tapestries and spreads will accommodate many different styles of decor needs. Great quality with endless versatility in home decorating. 

When you shop with Full Moon Loom you can be assured of good quality at a good price. We go to great lengths to make sure that every item we sell comes from the best sources of fair trade Indian craftsman available. We strive to keep our prices as low as possible for the best possible product while still making a dedicated effort to ensure our products are not sourced by slave labor organizations. We would rather have you as a return customer rather than have you make one purchase and never see you again. 

Our Indian Tapestries and Spreads can be used for: 

  • Bedspreads
  • Furniture covers (great for pet lovers)
  • Tablecloths for large tables
  • Fancy window treatments
  • Beach or picnic blanket
  • Room divider
  • Cool dust cover for your Harley
  • Vehicle seat cover (also great for pet lovers)
  • Wall hangings
  • Making clothing with cultural expression
  • Unique and affordable gifts 

The possibilities are as endless as the imagination. 

All of our products come with our customer satisfaction promise that ensures you will be happy with your purchase or we will make it right.

 

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