{"product_id":"sunday-27-september-1-2-p-m-talk-ajrakh-tradition-craft-and-contemporary-expression-with-sufiyan-kahtri","title":"Sunday 27 September, 1 - 2 p.m.: Talk, Ajrakh: Tradition, Craft and Contemporary Expression with Sufiyan Kahtri","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/Bharatiya+Vidya+Bhavan+(Institute+of+Indian+Art+and+Culture),+4A+Castletown+Rd,+London+W14+9HE,+UK\/@51.4896663,-0.2095945,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu\u0026amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 4A Castletown Rd, London W14 9HE, UK\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSufiyan Khatri is a tenth-generation Ajrakh artisan from Kachchh, Gujarat, continuing a family tradition of textile craftsmanship that has been rooted in the region since the 17th century. The Khatri family’s connection to Ajrakh began when their ancestors migrated from Sindh to Kutch, where they were welcomed by the ruler of Kutch, Rao Bharmalji I, who recognised the importance of supporting skilled craftspeople.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGrowing up in a family workshop, Sufiyan learned every stage of the Ajrakh process from an early age, from carving wooden blocks and preparing natural dyes to printing, resist techniques, washing and laying cloth in the sun. His grandfather, Mohammad Siddiq Khatri, played a key role in preserving the craft by documenting traditional knowledge and ensuring it was passed on to future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAjrakh is renowned for its complex use of natural dyes, hand-carved blocks and carefully sequenced printing techniques. Traditionally using colours such as indigo, madder and iron black, the process can involve up to sixteen stages, with each layer requiring patience, precision and an intimate understanding of materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eToday, Sufiyan continues to honour the heritage of Ajrakh while developing new designs for contemporary audiences. Working with designers, students and textile enthusiasts around the world, he explores how this ancient craft can remain relevant while preserving its environmental values, cultural meaning and handmade character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvent Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJoin Sufiyan Khatri for \u003ci\u003eAjrakh: Tradition, Craft and Contemporary Expression\u003c\/i\u003e, an introduction to one of India’s most celebrated textile traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThrough this talk, Sufiyan will explore the history and cultural significance of Ajrakh, tracing its journey from the communities of Sindh and Kachchh to its place in contemporary textile design. He will reveal the extraordinary process behind the technique, from preparing natural dyes and creating resist patterns to the intricate rhythm of block printing and sun-drying that gives Ajrakh its distinctive depth and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDrawing on his own family history and decades of experience, Sufiyan will share stories of craft revival, the challenges faced by traditional artisans, and the importance of keeping handmade knowledge alive. He will also discuss the symbolism woven into Ajrakh designs, including historic motifs and patterns that connect textiles to landscape, community and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA rare opportunity to hear directly from a master artisan preserving a centuries-old practice while shaping its future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvent Cancellation Policy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll bookings are non-refundable. However, if you let us know that you are unable to attend an event you have booked at least two weeks before the event, we will open up your place. If we find another participant, you will be offered a credit note.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sufiajrakh.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eVisit Sufiyan Khatri's Website\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sufiyankhatri\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eFollow Sufiyan Khatri on Instagram\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Event","offers":[{"title":"Standard","offer_id":48890053001451,"sku":"TS-a725f4","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1395\/5787\/files\/SV117_HIGHRES_Page_059_Image_0002.jpg?v=1781698130","url":"https:\/\/www.selvedge.org\/products\/sunday-27-september-1-2-p-m-talk-ajrakh-tradition-craft-and-contemporary-expression-with-sufiyan-kahtri","provider":"Selvedge Magazine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}