Antique Indian Wooden Textile Printing Block – Paisley Motif, c.1880–1920
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This beautiful antique wooden printing block is a genuine survivor from the golden age of hand-printed textiles.
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Hand-carved from dense hardwood, it features a richly detailed paisley (boteh) motif, a design with deep roots in Indian and Persian textile traditions.
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The surface is deeply stained with indigo, absorbed into the grain over decades of use, creating a wonderfully tactile, time-softened finish that simply cannot be replicated.
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Every curve and line shows the skill of the original carver, while the worn edges and softened relief speak honestly of a working life spent printing cotton and silk by hand.
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The block is substantial and weighty, with an integral wooden handle, pegged in place and beautifully worn from repeated use.
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From every angle, it tells a story – of craft, repetition, rhythm, and the human hand.
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Today, pieces like this are increasingly collected not only as textile tools, but as sculptural objects, admired for their artistry, history, and quiet presence.
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A characterful, authentic piece with real soul – perfect for collectors, interior stylists, and lovers of slow craft and global design history.
 
Key Details
Origin: India (South Asia)
Date: c.1880–1920
Material: Hand-carved hardwood
Motif: Paisley / boteh
Colouring: Natural aged wood with deep indigo staining
Condition: Honest antique wear throughout, consistent with age and use
Use: Originally for hand block-printing textiles
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Size: 14cm long x 10cm width (at longest point)
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Decorative Use Disclaimer:
This is an authentic antique working tool and is offered for decorative, display or collection purposes only.
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Due to its age and absorbed historic dyes, it is not suitable for modern textile printing or contact with skin or fabrics.
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Why We Love It
We love pieces like this because they bridge function and beauty so effortlessly. Styled on a bookshelf, coffee table, or console, this block reads almost like a small sculpture – rich in texture, pattern, and history. It works beautifully layered with books, ceramics, or natural materials, bringing warmth and a sense of global craftsmanship into a space.
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It’s also a wonderful reminder of a slower, more mindful way of making – where patterns were built by hand, one careful press at a time.