Welcome to our world of textiles, where every print and weave tells a story. I am Lizane Louw, a passionate designer, photographer and journalist. Since my first introduction to handprinted crafts in Asia, I have dreamed of launching my textile line in my studio. Māya has been a dream in the making for nearly a decade, and finally, in 2024, this dream became a reality.

My journey into this magical world of heritage textile prints in India started in 2016 with my first visit to Bagru, a small village 35 km south of Jaipur. Since then, my visits to this printer community sparked a deep love for the ancient printing crafts in India.

Bagru: A journey through time

Bagru is a village where time moves to a different rhythm, and ancient sustainable textile traditions still thrive. Vibrant textiles adorn balconies and walls, narrating stories of a long printing history and infusing traditions with modern print techniques. Bagru seems untouched by the rapid development of the contemporary and industrialised textile industry. This printer's village invites textile enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a world of history, eco-conscious practices, and a captivating local ambience. This village is truly one-of-a-kind.

In this Chhippa community, master printers bring to life timeless textile art inspired by the local fauna and flora. They still work slowly, follow sustainable practises, and have the divine presence of block printing gods in every workspace and studio.

Every piece created in this region is a testament to the community’s deep-rooted connection with their craft.

The artistry of wooden blocks

My journey into Bagru’s storied past began at the JaiTextile Printing Workshop. Days spent with a master craftsman introduced me to Bagru and Dabu printing traditions. Traditions of printing that I practise and continue to research and write about.

Everything about the printing experience in Bagru is unique: the textile preparation, the inks and dyes used in the Bagru tradition, and the mud recipes for the mud printing of the Dabu tradition.

I enjoy observing master block makers, I am always mesmerised by their skill. Each pattern carved into the wood symbolises the community’s creative identity, telling tales of the decades-long artistic journey and the community's cultural legacy. The wooden blocks, carved with so much detail and artistry, are masterpieces in their own right. Each block a piece of art.

A palette born from Nature

The Chhippa artisans of Bagru have mastered a unique, eco-friendly textile printing tradition. This community has practised these traditions for centuries. Their craft is a blend that works harmoniously with nature using natural dyes like madder, myrobalan, turmeric, iron deposits (Kashish), fermented iron from horseshoes, indigo and pomegranate. The dyeing process resembles the brewing of giant teapots over open-air fires, filling the studios and workshops with the smells of tradition.

I have been captivated by the “alchemy” of organic inks and natural dyes since I was first introduced to it. These pigments, derived from plants and minerals, produce long-lasting and vibrant colours. Interestingly enough, the water and the water quality in the region directly impact the quality of the prints. The minerals in the water also play a creative part.

These prints last, I proudly wear scarves printed nine years ago, their colours as vivid as the day they were created.

Mud Printing: Art from the earth

The most fascinating technique I encountered was Dabu mud printing, an ancient block printing tradition I am researching and writing about. I love this craft, and I enjoy printing and painting with mud.

In this tradition of printing, Artisans use mud with natural dyes to create intricate patterns on cloth, an earthy and authentic process that I have only encountered in Bagru.

Working alongside skilled artisans from Jaitexart, Studio Bagru, Bagruprintingworkshops and Mud and Water, I learned the secrets of creating these Indian mud cloths. The magic lies in the region's indigo and Kashish (iron deposits) and the scorching Rajasthani sun that bakes the mud onto the cloth, a unique process in this craft.

The challenges of the heritage crafts

Despite the allure of these print traditions and the artistry of the community, a dark shadow hangs over the future of the crafts—the future of this heritage craft is uncertain.

I understand why. I spend time in these studios working with the printers and craftspeople, and I know how hard this work can be, especially during the hot months in Rajasthan.

Aging artisans also face challenges in passing down their wisdom to a younger generation moving to the big cities, lured by the bright lights and opportunities. Today's youth are encouraged to pursue careers as software engineers or fashion designers, leaving behind their ancestral craft.

My commitment

I am a designer and artist and have decided to devote my time and skills to preserving and promoting these traditional crafts. As I learn more with in-depth research, writing and developing my own printing skills, I will continue to share stories and create.

My designs seamlessly blend ancient techniques with contemporary European aesthetics. Each work I create celebrates Bagru’s rich block printing heritage. Each project I work on, whether it is a story, a fine art print collection or a design, will be a tribute to the artisans who have sustained these traditions for centuries. Each story I share and each textile piece I will create is also a testament to the artful and thorough instruction I received from master craftsmen. For the teaching of the craft, I am forever grateful.

These techniques and the secrets of the crafts can’t be studied in online workshops, universities or colleges. Learning from the masters is the best way to experience and explore these ancient transitions. I count myself blessed to continue my learning in the community.

Join me on this journey of discovery and celebration. Explore my collection, each piece a work of art, each piece unique and a testament to the timeless beauty of Bagru’s textile artistry. Let’s cherish and uphold these heritage crafts together.

Thank you for visiting our site and supporting the heritage crafts

With love from Berlin

Founder and Creative Director of Māya