Hand-printed shawl

The shawl in fine silk satin shows detailed ornamental patterns which – like the Gössl logo – have been printed entirely by hand. Each model thus becomes an unmistakable one-off.

Hand printing

A hand-printing technique for textiles has been known since the 18th century. Its basis is the Model, the printing block: a solid wooden bar into which the block cutter drives fine brass pins according to the motif. In demanding handwork, the negative of the sought-after motifs is created in this way. Clamping the fabrics correctly, inking the Model carefully and finally placing it on the fabric with precision are what make up the skill of a true master hand printer. A slight offset in the pattern, the so-called Modelzaumstond, proves the authenticity of the hand printing and makes each one a one-off. The valuable Modeln were mostly passed on from generation to generation, yet motifs are lost again and again. Every surviving, unforgotten motif is therefore all the more valuable. Gössl has devoted itself to the uniqueness of the patterns themselves and digitised them. In this way the old motifs are preserved and can at the same time be shown creatively in new proportions.