Ajrakh Print Fabric

The stunning blue fabric can be tailored to beautiful tops, shirts, kurtas, kurtis, skirts and more. It is made by immense love and care by our artisan Vasif Abdul Rahim Khatri.

About the Artisan:

Vasif Abdul Rahim Khatri is an award-winning Ajrakh block printer from Dhamadka village in Kutch in Gujarat, AbdulRahim is a 10th generation in his family practicing this ancient handicraft. They migrated from Sindh to Kutch and settled in the eastern part, in a village called Rapar, where they made hand block printed textiles for sale to local communities for around 400 years. In the 1950s, the demand for natural dyed/vegetable dyed block print fabrics reached saturation point as customers found the textiles to be expensive compared to less expensive imitations. His father maintained the practice of natural dyed block printing and it is still in fashion nowadays famous brands are using such fabrics for their garments.

About the Craft:

Printing on textiles is a years-old traditional process of applying different types of patterns on the fabric. The block printing is the magical blend of artistic craftsmanship and the patience and tenacity of the artisan. The hand-carved wooden block drenched in organic ink leaves some unique and ethical design on the fabric. When the ink is properly embedded with the fabric, it does not fade with wash.Though there are many ways to make the print on the textile, the block print is the most ethnic and intriguing process of all. There are different types of wooden blocks on which the designers engrave the design with the utmost care and precision. Then the artisans cover the block with ink or natural dye and then stamp on the fabric. There is no use of brush or stencil in this process.The common motifs of the block prints are flowers, animals, and abstract designs. When the right color contrast is being used, it can give the most ordinary fabric a unique look.Using the wooden block, the artists can print different printing patterns on fabrics like silk, cotton, and linen. In textile printing, it is a quite simple yet slowest process.

Product Care:

Gentle hand wash separately in cold water with mild/liquid detergents. Avoid soaking for too long and dry in shade.