Few textile manufacturers still take the time to process natural indigo or block-print fabrics, but both practices continue to flourish in Rajasthan, India, where this handcrafted bedding is made using techniques that have been perfected over centuries. Bundles of the indigo plant are soaked to extract the vibrant dye, while long sheets of cotton are laid out awaiting the color. With hand-carved wooden blocks, a wax resist is applied to the fabric. When dyed, the wax areas remain white while the rest takes on the evocative hues of midnight, lapis lazuli, and cerulean that all begin with the tropical indigo plant. 100% cotton.
Note: Hand Block-printed Indigo Duvet prices vary depending on size.
- Full/Queen: 84" X 100" - $109.00
- King: 87-90" x 108" - $119.00
- Throw pillow: 16" square
Machine wash in cold water with like colors on gentle cycle using a non-chlorine bleach detergent. Tumble dry, low heat. Fold and smooth.
In the family's studio compound, a dye vat is prepared over three weeks using a mixture of indigo, molasses, slaked lime, and water. When the dye mixture is ready, sheets of cotton are spread out awaiting printing. Using hand-carved wooden blocks and a mixture of earth and tree gum as a resist, the artisans stamp the fabric in a repeating pattern. After each block of the pattern, sawdust is dusted across the surface to ensure that the images don't smudge. The block-printing process is repeated for each motif that is to make up the final design.
Finally, when the printed cloth is dried, it is dipped in the indigo vat. The stamped parts of the pattern will resist the dye and emerge with lighter hues. Immediately upon removal from the vat, the fabric appears white, and then green. It is exposure to oxygen that quickly brings out indigo's well-known blue hues. This chemical phenomenon led many travelers to regard Indian dyers as magicians. Indian lore also associates indigo with Lord Krishna, making it an auspicious color to work with and to use in one's home.
From National Geographic:Thanks for your feedback; we're glad you're please with this duvet. You are correct, like blue jeans, the indigo may lose color slightly over the first few washes. We recommend that customers wash this bedding according to the care label once or twice before using. We've also updated the dimensions of the shams--thank you for bringing this oversight to our attention.