Josef Koó / Original Indigo Blaudruck

One of Europe’s rarest textile traditions: Burgenland copper pin block printing

Hailing from Burgenland, Austria, Joseph and Miriam Koó bring one of Europe’s rarest and most meticulous textile traditions to the International Folk Art Market. Their craft, original Burgenland copper pin block printing, uses natural indigo dyes and techniques passed down through generations. Central to their work is a treasured family recipe for the resist paste—used in their process to create patterns by preventing certain areas of the textiles from being dyed. The elusive family formula, known only by a few family members, includes gum Arabic and clay.  Each piece begins with hand-block printing or using a 100-year-old rotary printing machine, one of the last still operational in the world. This process is completed with weeks of careful dyeing and drying. 

 

The Koós are among the few artisans keeping this historic process alive. They craft textiles that reflect Burgenland’s cultural heritage and practical ingenuity. Their double-sided aprons, once essential for reducing laundry loads in traditional households, feature distinct patterns on each side—a hallmark of their work. UNESCO recognizes this craft as an element of Austria’s intangible cultural heritage, which can be found in museums and modern wardrobes.

For the Koós, preserving this tradition is a profession and a mission. Beyond their workshop, they collaborate with fashion schools and designers to reimagine Burgenland indigo printing for today’s world. With awards such as the 2022 R+W Textile Service Special Prize for Traditional Crafts, their dedication ensures this remarkable legacy endures for future generations.