Flowers that never withered is a photo story about natural dye block
printed fabrics from a coastal town in Southern India called Machilipatnam.
Block printing specific to this region is called Kalamkari block
printing.
These textiles attracted Dutch and other European traders in medieval times. This craft was patronised by Qutub shahis who were the rulers of that region in those times. Kalamkari technique facilitated mass production by hand and till today many families in Machilipatnam continue to practice this craft. We journey through its history from medieval trade to its enduring legacy in the contemporary era. It is a story of resilience, adaptation and the timeless beauty of craftsmanship.
These textiles attracted Dutch and other European traders in medieval times. This craft was patronised by Qutub shahis who were the rulers of that region in those times. Kalamkari technique facilitated mass production by hand and till today many families in Machilipatnam continue to practice this craft. We journey through its history from medieval trade to its enduring legacy in the contemporary era. It is a story of resilience, adaptation and the timeless beauty of craftsmanship.