Indian Textile Printing Block

A slim paisley and a plump, ornate teardrop stand side by side like old acquaintances.

This carved wood textile printing block is from Varanasi, India, and dates to the 20th century. Printing blocks are usually carved from a dense, fine-grained wood, because the design must hold sharp edges through many repeated impressions. Side on, a rectangular slab with an elongated paisley on the left and a heart-shaped medallion filled with florets on the right. Scrolling leaves fill the background. The edges are slightly rounded from handling and the finish is a dark, dull black. It is 5.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 4 high.

Two shapes, one slab, no quarrel over the space.