Pulchari c. 19th century

This textile, called a Pulchari, was created by an anonymous artist, and is comprised of cotton, dye and mordant. The material has been patterned using a traditional mordant dyeing technique. The mordant acts like an adhesive, fixing the dyes to the cotton. You’ll notice the intricate floral designs in red, yellow, and black – these were carefully applied with dye-soaked blocks. The material and process influence the Pulchari’s visual appearance: the cotton's soft texture contrasts with the boldness of the patterns. The act of block printing, a skilled tradition passed down through generations, imbues this artwork with social and cultural significance. It reflects a long history of textile production, and the incredible amount of work involved in the process. By focusing on the materiality, making, and the cultural context of this Pulchari, we can appreciate the intersection of craft, design, and the history of creative practices. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.