KALAMKARI HAND PAINTED

Kalamkari is a hand-painted cotton textile from Andhra Pradesh, India, using natural dyes in a 23-step process. There are two main styles: Machilipatnam, which involves vegetable-dyed block printing, and Srikalahasti, where a "kalam" (pen) is used for freehand drawing and coloring. While artisans now sometimes use chemical dyes for commercial purposes, the technique is known for its earthy tones and motifs inspired by flora, fauna, and mythology. Kalamkari has gained global recognition for its unique artistry.