Indienne

Indienne is a type of printed or painted cotton fabric that originated in India. The term generally refers to textiles imported from India into Europe, particularly France and England, during the 17th and 18th centuries. These fabrics were highly prized for their vibrant colors, intricate designs featuring flowers, animals, and geometric patterns, and lightweight quality.

The production of Indienne involved a complex process that included mordanting (fixing the dyes to the fabric), dyeing using natural dyes (often extracted from plants like indigo, madder, and turmeric), and resist printing or painting techniques. Resist methods, such as wax resist, prevented dye from penetrating certain areas of the fabric, creating the desired patterns.

Indienne fabrics played a significant role in global trade. The demand for these textiles in Europe led to the establishment of trading companies like the British East India Company and the French East India Company, which controlled the import of Indienne and other goods. The popularity of Indienne also spurred the development of textile printing industries in Europe as local manufacturers sought to imitate the Indian designs and compete with the imports.

The term "Indienne" can also, in some contexts, refer more broadly to any printed cotton fabric produced in a style reminiscent of the original Indian textiles, even if it was manufactured outside of India. The influence of Indienne designs can be seen in many subsequent textile traditions worldwide.