Blueprints - a German intangible heritage

Blueprints

An example for a blue print cloth 
(Picture: Gernek, www.wikipedia.org) CC BY-SA 2.5

"Print" is not quite the right expression for the dyeing process with Indio. The colour is not printed, but a colour-repellent wax is applied to the fabric and the unprotected area is then dyed blue with indigo. This creates typical white patterns on a blue ground. This reserve printing process was created in Amsterdam in 1678.

The patterns are created by using stencils called 'models'. The printing is still done by hand with models, which are produced by a specialized craftsman. Originally they were made of boxwood, but later also of other materials such as brass plates. 


Blueprint is not only used for decorative purposes for tablecloths, pillowcases or curtains, but also for clothing. In the traditional costume of the Sorbs (Slavic-speaking people in East Germany) blue printing is an important element.

Since 2018, the blueprint has been listed as a common intangible heritage of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia as an intangible world heritage.