---
title: "Our Heritage Block Archive: 6000+ Rare South Indian Textile Motifs"
description: "Explore our archive of 6000+ vintage woodblocks, featuring rare South Indian heritage motifs like the Gandabherunda. Learn traditional block printing with us."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/our-heritage-block-archive
last_updated: 2025-09-12
---

# Heritage Block Archive: Rare South Indian Textile Designs

Tribe Verified · 6000+ vintage designs since 1977.

By [Tharangini Studio](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio) · Workshops available online and at Studio in Sadashivnagar · ₹4,200 per person (estimate)

Part of [Block Printing Workshops & Experiences](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/gallery)

Step into our archive of 6000+ vintage woodblocks. From the legendary Gandabherunda to temple-inspired architecture, these motifs are the soul of our studio's history.

## Photos and videos

- ![A mural of the Gandabherunda on our studio wall. This mythical two-headed bird is a powerful symbol of Karnataka's heritage, and we are proud to feature it in our archive and our art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/13599532-a21d-4b49-966e-a703c8fccf1e)
- ![A print from our archive showcasing a classic peacock motif. The peacock, believed to herald the monsoon, is a recurring theme in our collection, interpreted in hundreds of different vintage styles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/24c47d36-6319-4f8f-a98f-87a560637409)
- ![A vintage HMT watch featuring the Gandabherunda emblem. This motif is deeply woven into our local culture, appearing in everything from architecture to timepieces, and we cherish its presence in our block collection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/295aa8f1-f8dd-4fb3-b7e9-ec77f0324f24)
- ![A beautiful, intricately carved floral 'buta' block from our vintage collection, resting on a bed of colorful printed fabrics. Blocks like these are the heart of our design legacy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a4d918e-4ceb-4b9a-a1a7-77d0af5de0a4)
- ![A close-up of vintage blocks from our archive, their surfaces worn smooth with decades of use. Each block tells a story of the hands that carved it and the countless fabrics it has adorned.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4187546f-a62a-412e-9084-db654012ceef)
- ![Our artisan Banu shares glimpses of vintage architectural designs from our archives. These blocks, inspired by temple pillars and ornate window grills, are a fusion of two distinct craft forms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/51f2cf7c-312e-4804-b213-ffa93e864437)
- ![A page from our archives, displaying various vintage peacock motifs. From simple outlines to complex multi-color designs, the versatility of this single motif is truly inspiring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/725d5fe4-e37e-488e-a19e-96540b6cb1c8)
- ![A stunning multi-color parrot motif from our vintage archive. Designs like this, requiring several precisely carved blocks, are a testament to the incredible skill of the artisans who created them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/770613f7-ad82-4e9f-9ace-9de3940fbeef)
- ![A classic peacock block print, showcasing the intricate details and flowing lines that are characteristic of our vintage collection. This motif remains a favorite for its timeless elegance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89328112-e422-4f38-a9ca-6fe9bb863bc5)
- ![A glimpse into our archival books, where impressions of every block we've ever used are carefully preserved. Our artisan Banu notes that some of these intricate architectural designs are unique to our studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d0f5c39-7c57-4483-b018-af33323f41fb)
- ![A flat lay of vintage blocks and printed fabric swatches. The combination of classic paisley and floral motifs creates a timeless aesthetic that we love to explore in our work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/92fd638e-da18-40e8-960b-78f48d090528)
- ![The Gandabherunda, the majestic emblem of the Kingdom of Mysore, as seen in various forms of art and architecture. We are honored to be custodians of vintage blocks bearing this iconic symbol.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f3ff2a0-2d25-4d7b-8a29-7e79a42d5ede)
- ![A collection of vintage peacock blocks. The variety of styles, from bold and graphic to delicate and ornate, showcases the creative range of the artisans who carved them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a38cbc37-c736-46a8-95f4-9f98b87d620d)
- ![A large, beautifully detailed peacock block, held against the lush green backdrop of our studio. This is one of the treasures from our archive, a perfect example of master craftsmanship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a47438e8-b7f1-43ed-b2ed-f914c2281c41)
- ![Another view of our large vintage peacock block. The level of detail in the feathers and form is simply breathtaking, a true work of art carved in wood.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a65e3696-770a-4212-9f0d-65f24a4cdea9)
- ![A stunningly intricate 'Tree of Life' block from our vintage collection, featuring perching birds and delicate flowers. This single block can create a whole world on fabric.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a930dedf-357e-402d-b0c8-6b873f093d8a)
- ![A vintage print from our archive, featuring a playful arrangement of peacock and floral motifs. The use of just two colors, orange and purple, creates a striking and graphic effect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b026a49c-8351-4ed1-acbc-f725e6a800db)
- ![Each piece in our festive collection is crafted with hand-picked treasures from our archive. This large, eight-piece paisley block is a rare and special example, full of intricate details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1477b7e-4f60-4e1c-ae66-f6121d53a1eb)
- ![Participants in a workshop exploring our vast collection of vintage blocks. Choosing a design is the first step in their creative journey, connecting them to decades of textile history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b61496ca-d768-4623-a264-d08f0f283560)
- ![A collection of vintage blocks featuring architectural motifs. Inspired by the arches and tiles of old buildings, these designs frame our sarees and textiles with structural elegance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b7b2caf5-d865-41ff-8fdd-df12e3c0dab1)
- ![Our 'Tree of Life' block, a masterpiece of carving that tells a story of nature's abundance. It's a privilege to keep such beautiful vintage designs in active use.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b9d82de5-9356-4832-8787-bac8de073a68)
- ![A 'sampler' cloth showcasing dozens of our vintage border designs, hanging to dry in our studio. This is a living catalog of our history, a testament to 45 years of collecting and creating.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bdd1edb4-5ec5-4f1c-a67f-1f5744dd2436)
- ![A set of vintage blocks featuring peacock and paisley motifs. These classic designs have been part of the Indian textile vocabulary for centuries, and we love reinterpreting them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bdef53a4-b25f-4ca4-891e-9d9e917befcd)
- ![A rare vintage brass and wood block, featuring an ornate arch design. Blocks like these are delicate and require immense skill to print with, but the results are unparalleled.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c025ae78-0391-4918-9abc-0fc3fad360d5)
- [Video: A video celebrating our debut saree collection, "Songs of a Vintage Spring." It shows our artisan browsing through archival books, connecting our new creations to our deep-rooted history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c07b964b-6ef1-44f3-87af-2881b3572ec9)
- ![A collection of vintage blocks, a measuring tape, and fabric swatches. This image captures the essence of our design process, where we thoughtfully combine old patterns to create new stories.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c33df110-6664-443b-8fd4-919821c10cf1)
- ![A charming vintage print featuring four peacocks in a grid, framed by a delicate border. This design showcases a more folk-art style from our diverse archive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c4a56a4f-3e70-45ab-b07c-a514146914cf)
- ![A beautiful, breezy kota saree printed with a selection of our timeless floral and paisley blocks. The placement of the prints is carefully considered to create a dreamy, vintage summer feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c6abdea5-0a20-4164-a6c7-e06301634bf1)
- ![An intricately carved paisley block from our archive. The level of detail in these vintage pieces is a constant source of inspiration for our team and our workshop participants.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c724e2bd-37e4-445b-ae75-bb889cd6abd1)
- ![Our sampler cloth, featuring prints from our vast archive of border blocks, hangs in front of our studio hut. It's a beautiful visual summary of our design legacy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/df011563-a85c-405d-acdd-34bdf0a35423)
- ![A collection of vintage blocks inspired by the flora and fauna of our lakeside ecosystem, including fish, dragonflies, and butterflies. Nature is a constant muse for our designs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/df16d110-e525-4903-94e2-48ca294c8649)
- ![A participant in our workshop points to a design in one of our archival books. These books are an invaluable resource, preserving the history of our studio and the craft itself.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1a63332-4065-46c8-a17f-a2fb4eb79f23)
- ![A guest looks over a table of vintage silk prints from the 1970s. These archival pieces are a testament to our long history and a source of inspiration for new collections.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e9fbe536-1fb8-4570-906d-aea25ae574a8)
- ![A table laden with newly carved woodblocks, translated from the lino prints of the Bábbarra Women's Centre. This is our archive in the making, a new chapter in our story of craft and collaboration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ee4979d2-95fa-4d21-9902-f219633b2faa)
- ![A close-up of a vintage block with a metal-inlay arch design. This technique, combining wood and metal, allows for incredibly fine and durable lines, and these blocks are among the most prized in our collection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f48c91f3-6f74-4f8d-a778-3792042dc217)

## About Our Heritage Block Archive

Working with our vintage teak blocks is a tactile experience that demands a specific rhythm, one that our master artisans have perfected over decades. When you choose to print with these pieces, you aren't just selecting a design; you are learning how to balance the pressure and alignment required to bring these rare, time-worn motifs to life on your own fabric.

Our archive is not a museum piece; it is a living collection that powers our daily work. Since 1977, we have carefully gathered over 6000 unique woodblocks, each representing a specific era and aesthetic of South Indian craft. You will find iconic motifs like the Gandabherunda—the two-headed bird of the Mysore Kingdom—alongside intricate temple pillar patterns, ornate borders, and delicate floral paisleys. 

Unlike mass-produced screens, our hand-carved teak wood blocks allow for a textural depth that is impossible to replicate mechanically. Printing with these requires patience and a bit of 'jugaad'—the intuitive balancing of fabric, pressure, and natural pigment. Whether you are inspired by the geometric precision of our Vidhana Soudha-inspired patterns or the fluid dance of our peacock motifs, our workshops give you hands-on access to this collection. We invite you to pick up a block, feel the grooves worn smooth by time, and experience the tactile joy of traditional block printing. Whether you are an enthusiast looking to learn a new skill or someone seeking custom textile production, our Sadashivnagar studio offers a space to connect with these timeless motifs.

## About Tharangini Studio

We are Tharangini, and this studio by the lake has been our family's labor of love since 1977. My mother, Lakshmi, started this journey to keep these traditional crafts alive, and today, we continue that work alongside our artisan family. We believe in slow, ethical printing that celebrates the heritage right here in our own backyard.

[See all of Tharangini Studio's services](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio)

## More from Block Printing Workshops & Experiences by Tharangini Studio

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/featured)
- [The Block Printing Experience](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/the-block-printing-experience)
- [The Art of Woodblock Carving](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/the-art-of-woodblock-carving)
- [From Nature to Fabric: Our Sustainable Dyes](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/from-nature-to-fabric-our-sustainable-dyes)
- [Creations from Our Studio](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/creations-from-our-studio)
- [Our Artisan Family & Community](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/our-artisan-family-community)
- [Global Connections & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/global-connections-collaborations)
- [Our Serene Studio Space](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/our-serene-studio-space)
- [Special Events & Announcements](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences/special-events-announcements)

## More services by Tharangini Studio

- [Custom Textile Development & Production](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/custom-textile-development-production)
- [Artisanal Apparel & Textiles](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles)

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## Book

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