Dodging into the World of Paisley

Paisley as all may not know its meaning and significance in the printing work. To recognize paisley art, one need to find the tear drop shape on garments as well as on household articles.

In fact, paisley design resembling a fig shape got originated in Sassanid Dynasty of Persia. Later, this art form was also adopted by Safavid Dynasty of Persia. In the period from 1501 to 1736 Paisley art became important pattern of textile during Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties. In this era this pattern was used to decorate royal dresses, crowns of kings and garments of other important members of Emperor's court.

Some beliefs say that this design came from a Cyprus tree which is a Zoroastrian symbol of life. This design became a decorative component which had been widely used in Azerbaijani culture.

This design is unique in its own type that still in many countries it is used to beautify many gifting articles. Till date In Iran and Uzbekistan, paisley art is used in various forms such as on Clothes, jewellery, paintings to augment the beauty of walls, Curtains, tablecloth, quilts, bed sheets, carpets, designer pottery and garden landscaping.

Travelling from the western side of Scotland this design stepped towards India in Kashmir, where it had been in use from late 17th century. Kashmir is the largest producer of hand woven shawls with the paisley design embroidered and in printing form.  From Kashmir its popularity spread to all over India. When few high profiled officers of The East India Company took samples of these Indian shawls to their country. Queen of Britain also wore these shawls and ultimately it began as fashion which only high class people would afford at that time.

By the end of seventeenth century, this Paisley art style had been copied by French men and resultantly on jacquard looms it started its first journey in France.

Later in the 19th century, Scottish people innovated new techniques with Paisley Prints and till date it is famous textile prints in Scotland.

France and Britain became the important places for paisley prints as woven fabric in this design is on the higher side.

Traditional name of paisley prints is Buta. This Buta design is in huge demand in both Indian as well as other International markets. Though paisley has travelled almost all the countries and states, Rajasthan was left untouched till the time when tear drop design was copied on hand carved blocks for the purpose of Block Printing. Now, in Rajasthani textiles one can easily locate the paisley motifs mixed up with many other patterns of Block printing making the fabric outstanding.

This paisley prints or pattern is not only limited to clothes, rather it has come over as the significant designs on household goods such as tea pots, bed sheets, cushions covers and many other decor items for home.

Paisley printed fabrics and other house hold items are available online, on the websites of few reputed manufacturer and suppliers.