Kalamkari family, Andhra Pradesh:

The Kalamkari family is a renowned block printing family from Andhra Pradesh, India, with a history of over 400 years in the craft. The name "Kalamkari" comes from the Persian words "kalam" meaning pen and "kari" meaning work, referring to the use of hand-painted and hand-drawn motifs in their block printing. They are particularly skilled in creating patterns inspired by nature, mythology, and historical events, making their block prints highly sought after.

Their traditional printing process also involves several stages. First, the fabric is washed and treated with a mixture of myrobalan and cow milk to remove impurities and prepare it for dyeing. The fabric is then dyed with natural dyes derived from plants and minerals such as indigo, madder, and pomegranate. The designs are then hand-painted or drawn on the fabric using a pen or brush, and the block printing is done using carved wooden blocks. This process is repeated to create a repeating pattern.

The family also specializes in producing wall hangings, bedspreads, and saris. Their work has also been recognized both nationally and internationally, and they have won many awards for their contributions too.