Nirmika Rogan Chhap (Rogan printing) with Molds

What is Nirmika Rogan Chhap?
Nirmika Rogan Chhap is a different style of Rogan art printing. Instead of drawing freehand, this method uses brass molds to make designs. It is a more modern way of doing Rogan art and helps to create patterns that look the same on every piece.

Rogan painting has three main styles. The first style is Rogan Chhap, which is the traditional way of making Rogan art. The second style is Nirmika Chhap, also called Nirmika Rogan printing. The third style is Varnika Chhap, or Varnika Rogan painting. Today, Rogan Chhap is the most popular style. Many artists in Madhapar, Kutch, Gujarat, create this type of Rogan painting. The other two styles, Nirmika Chhap and Varnika Chhap, are very special. Only Ashish Kansara, an artist from Madhapar, practices these two styles. He (Ashish Kansara) is the only artist who knows how to make all three types of Rogan painting.

How is Nirmika Rogan Chhap Done?

Just like Rogan Chhap, the process starts with making the Rogan paste. Castor oil is boiled, and then chalk powder and natural colors are added.

In Nirmika Rogan Chhap, the paste is filled into brass molds.
A brass mold is crafted by a skilled sunar (goldsmith) using an Aari cutting technique. The sunar carefully creates intricate designs on the brass surface. The welding on the mold’s side matches the design engraved on the brass. These molds have beautiful designs carved on them. To transfer the design, the mold is pressed onto the fabric using a wooden stick. This creates a neat and clear pattern on the fabric.

After the design is made, the fabric is left in the sunlight to dry. This makes the design strong and keeps the colors bright.

What Makes Nirmika Rogan Chhap Different?

Nirmika Rogan Chhap is perfect for making patterns that repeat, like those used on sarees, scarves, and large fabric pieces. It is quicker than freehand work and is great for creating designs that need to look the same on every piece.

Nirmika Rogan Chhap highlights how the method is done and why it is special. This art form, especially as practiced by Ashish Kansara, keeps the beautiful tradition of Rogan printing alive.