13/06/2026
Saturday Snippets | Vithika Curated Weaves ✨
Preparation of Black Colour (Kasimi) in Kalamkari
The black colour used for outlining in traditional Kalamkari is known as Kasimi. It is prepared using natural ingredients through a fermentation process.
Iron filings or rusted iron pieces are mixed with jaggery and water in an earthen pot. This mixture is left to ferment for about 15–20 days. During this period, the jaggery reacts with the iron, producing a dark liquid rich in iron acetate.
Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is filtered to remove impurities. The resulting black dye, known as Kasimi, is then ready for use.
Before outlining, the fabric is treated with myrobalan (harad or karakkaya), which is rich in tannins. Using a bamboo pen called a kalam, the artisan draws the outlines directly onto the cloth with the fermented iron solution. When the iron solution comes into contact with the tannins in the fabric, a deep, permanent black colour develops.
This black outlining is the first stage of painting and forms the framework of the entire Kalamkari artwork. It defines the motifs, figures, borders, and intricate details that will later be filled with other natural colours. The strength, permanence, and richness of this black colour are among the distinctive features of authentic hand-painted Kalamkari.
