Tree of Life gives new lease of life for Kalamkari

The Tree of Life, a motif in various mythologies and a metaphor for the common descent of life on earth, created by Pedana artists has given a new lease of life for the India’s textile art form, Kalamkari.

It was the first of its kind in the country’s history of wooden block printing to create the ‘Tree of Life’ with natural colours. Until today, the motif was done on fabric by drawing with pen with natural colours. In an historical attempt, wooden block makers – K. Gangadhar and K. Narasaiah – have successfully carved out the Tree of Life motif in as many as 212 wooden blocks. The duo carved the blocks for nearly two months. Following several stages of trials, Kalamkari artists of the Syamala Arts and Crafts printed the motif on fabric on a wall hanging with various borders. The measurement of the wall hanging is 45 inches of width and 75 inches of height. “The first mention of block prints is traced to the 12th century, according to research by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. We are proud to showcase our exquisite and intricate art through our project,” Pitchuka Srinivas told The Hindu . Mr. Srinivas’s father Pitchuka Veera Subbaiah was the founder of Kalamkari art in Pedana.

Beyond imagination

“The Tree of Life is always beyond my imagination. My desire of creating the motif has been fulfilled now. It will give a new lease of life for the wooden block style of Kalamkari art and fascinates the world of textile artists,” Mr. Gangadhar told

The Hindu . The artists have added Mughal designs as borders to the wall hangings of the Tree of Life. All the colours applied on the wall hangings of the Tree of Life are natural. “The Tree of Life motif on the fabric is marvellous. As far as my knowledge is concerned it was the first of its kind to print the complete motif on fabric in Kalamkari art,” said Weavers’ Service Centre South India Director Vishesh Nautiyal.

British Museum

Mr. Srinivas plans to submit the Tree of Life wall hanging to the British Museum, London, where a wall hanging with Mehrab design made in Machilipatnam was kept on display.