Indian Textile Printing Block

One big paisley swells up from the corner, wrapped in a thicket of tiny scrolls.

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. Overall, an upright, nearly rectangular plaque with a deeply carved teardrop at its center and ornate filler in every gap. The edge is slightly uneven and the surface is a worn, blackened tone. It stands on a slim metal rod and base. It is 5 inches wide, 2 deep and 4.5 high.

A single bold gesture, sensibly surrounded by detail.