Kalamkari

About this Art Form

Kalamkari literally means 'pen work' — kalam (pen) and kari (craft). This ancient textile art from Andhra Pradesh involves hand-painting or block-printing on cotton fabric using natural dyes. The Srikalahasti style uses a bamboo or date-palm pen to draw mythological narratives, while the Machilipatnam style uses hand-carved wooden blocks. The fabric undergoes a 23-step process of bleaching, dyeing and fixing to achieve its rich, lasting colours.