In the heart of Anatolia, long before modern textile machines existed, artisans created beauty with nothing more than hand-carved wooden blocks, natural dyes, and the patience learned from generations. Today at Derviş Natural Textile, we continue this extraordinary heritage, producing hand-woven, natural cotton, linen, and silk fabrics transformed with the ancient art of Turkish wooden block printing.
How Derviş Natural Textile Keeps a Timeless Craft Alive
This slow, artisanal process is the soul behind many of our signature pieces, especially our hand-printed kimonos, kaftans, robes, and garments loved by customers around the world.
What Is Traditional Turkish Wooden Block Printing?
Wooden block printing, known in Anatolia as “tahta baskı” or “ahşap baskı” is a centuries-old technique where patterns are carved by hand into wooden blocks and then stamped onto fabric.
Each block is a piece of art itself, containing motifs inspired by:
- Anatolian flora & fauna
- Ottoman-era textile symbols
- Village craft patterns
- Geometric, tribal, and ceremonial designs
At Derviş Natural Textile, we have hundreds of our own original block designs, collected and created over decades. Many of them were designed exclusively for our products and are still used by the same master artisans.
Hand-Woven Fabrics: The Perfect Canvas
Our block prints are applied only on authentic hand-woven fabrics made from:
- Natural Turkish cotton
- Pure linen
- Fine silk blends
These fabrics are woven slowly on traditional looms, giving each piece a unique texture that machines can never reproduce.
Their breathability, softness, and natural irregularities make them ideal for absorbing natural dyes and producing vibrant, long-lasting prints.
Natural Dyes: Rich, Earthy & Timeless
We use 100% natural dyes, crafted from:
- Plant roots
- Flowers
- Bark
- Mineral pigments
These dyes create earthy tones and soft hues that age beautifully. They do not contain chemicals, making them safe for skin, children, and sensitive users.
The Hand-Printing Process: A Ritual of Patience & Precision
1. Carving the Wooden Block
If a customer requests a specific pattern, our artisans hand-carve a new wooden block just for them. Each block is shaped with tiny chisels, following the rhythm of centuries-old craftsmanship.
2. Preparing the Fabric
The hand-woven fabric is carefully stretched and smoothed. This ensures the print lands perfectly, without distortion.
3. Applying the Dye
The artisan dips the carved block into the natural dye, ensuring the grooves are fully coated. The moment of stamping is slow, steady, and perfectly controlled this is where the magic happens.
4. Hand Detailing
Many designs require additional details, which our artisans paint one by one using fine brushes.
5. Drying & Fixing
After printing, the fabric must dry naturally.
It then enters a fixing process that makes the colors durable and ensures the print does not fade even after years of use and many washes.
Why Wooden Block Printing Matters Today
In a world dominated by fast fashion, wooden block printing stands as a form of resistance, a reminder that beauty requires time, skill, and human touch.
At Derviş Natural Textile, we are proud to continue this tradition with the same master craftsmen we have partnered with for many years. Every piece we produce honors:
- Slow production
- Sustainability
- Fair-trade working principles
- Cultural heritage
- True handmade value
Each kimono or garment becomes more than clothing it becomes a story woven and printed by human hands.
Our Hand-Printed Kimono & Clothing Collection
The garments we produce through this technique are:
- Unique, no two prints are ever identical
- Durable colors remain rich for years
- Breathable & natural, comfortable for all seasons
- Ethically produced, respecting tradition and nature
From minimalist stripes to bold Anatolian motifs, each kimono and robe carries the soul of its maker.
A Legacy Preserved for the Future
With over 30 years of experience, Derviş Natural Textile is committed to safeguarding Turkey’s traditional textile culture.
Our wooden block printing atelier is not just a workshop; it is a living museum where the past survives through the hands of modern artisans.
When you choose one of our hand-printed garments, you are not only wearing a kimono…
You are wearing a piece of Anatolian history, kept alive through craftsmanship, patience, and love.
