Indian Textile Printing Block

Chain-link borders hold a looping, scrolling band that rewards a close look.

This carved wood textile printing block is from Varanasi, India, and dates to the 20th century. The pattern on a block is cut in relief, so that raised areas take the color and carry it onto the fabric, one repeat at a time. Shaped as a rectangular slab with rows of small linked rectangles along the top and bottom edges. The central band is a compact run of coils and rounded forms, partly worn smooth. Ridged lines separate each strip, and the surface is dull black. It is 6.5 inches wide, 2.75 deep and 3 high.

Modest in size, ambitious in the number of lines.