The story behind the print
Barmer folk prints
- Origin:
- Barmer, western Rajasthan (inspiration)
- Since:
- A living folk tradition
Peacocks, elephants and dancers framed by bold stripes, in the spirit of the folk textiles of Barmer in the Thar desert of western Rajasthan.
Barmer is a desert district on Rajasthan’s western edge, close to Sindh. Its villages are known for two crafts in particular: appliqué, where shaped pieces of cloth are cut and stitched onto a base to make bedspreads and hangings, and hand block printing, including the deep red and indigo ajrakh style shared with Sindh and Kutch. A single large appliqué bedspread can take weeks of handwork.
The motifs come from everyday desert life and nature: the peacock, Rajasthan’s favourite bird; elephants and camels; trees, flowers and dancing figures; all held inside strong borders and bands of colour.
Our Barmeri range takes this look, a bold centre panel framed by colourful stripes and patchwork-style borders, and screen prints it on 100% cotton, so the folk character comes with even colour and easy care. It is printed, not hand appliquéd. See how it is made in our Jaipuri screen print story.
