Waraq/Gold and Silver Leaf Printing on Textiles of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Waraq Printing is a process wherein gold or silver leaf is applied on to the textile through a transfer technique using blocks. This unique process demonstrates the versatility of the craftsperson’s, their technical virtuosity and their in-depth knowledge of material. Waraq printing is a technique whose history is obscure and there is no real evidence as at which period it came into fruition, though all indications point to the probability that it was developed or introduced during the reign of Mughals.

Waraq has many uses, including its use in Ayurveda and as an edible food embellishment, used to adorn the Indian sweets, making them look rich and opulent. Waraq for textiles is made from a thin fine sheet of 2mm to 25mm thickness of silver or gold, depending upon the quality of waraq required, as the cost and quality of the finish increases as the waraq gets thicker.