This antique Indian textile printing block was hand-carved in Jaipur for the traditional art of block printing. The simple yet elegant repeating pattern of stylised floral rosettes and circular dots would have been used to create decorative borders or all-over designs on cotton textiles using natural dyes.

Each block was painstakingly carved from a single piece of hardwood, allowing skilled printers to build intricate patterns one impression at a time. The rhythmic process of hand printing has been practised across Rajasthan for centuries, with the knowledge of both carving and printing passed down through generations of artisan families. The slight irregularities in each impression are part of what gives hand-printed textiles their distinctive character and charm.

Today these original printing blocks are appreciated as sculptural decorative objects as much as historic tools. Rich with the patina of years of use, they make beautiful display pieces that celebrate India's enduring textile traditions.

• Origin: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• Date: Early 20th Century
• Materials: Hand-carved hardwood
• Features: Repeating floral rosette and dot pattern, original printing block with handle
• Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear and traces of historic dye from years of workshop use.
• Dimensions: W15.5 x D12.5 H5 cm