Ajrakh Silk Velvet Poncho | plum madder

• One size
  • Oversized with a relaxed silhouette, suitable for S-L
  • Length centre front 38½”
  • Cross-body chest 31”
  • Sleeve opening circumference 19”
  • The model is 5'9"

 

Cross-body measurements taken flat so double where necessary; +/- a tolerance inherent to hand made clothing.​

• Fabric: Outer 100%  silk velvet; lining 50% silk/50% cotton
• Handfeel: Outer is beautifully textured and lustrous mid weight velvet; lining is soft and light
• Care: Dry cleaning recommended
• Origin: Gujarat, India

 

 

Textile Story

 

Ajrakh is a form of traditional hand block printing and resist dyeing using exclusively natural dyes, like indigo and madder, and natural  mordants. The process is extremely laborious and complex, and practiced by master artisans only in western India and eastern Pakistan. 

We're proud to work with Sufiyan Khatri, one of the foremost ajrakh master craftsmen of India. Sufiyan, his grandfather, Mohmed Siddiq Khatri, and father, Dr Ismail Khatri, have been instrumental in reviving this art form within India and internationally. 

Following the design of the pattern, wooden blocks are carved by hand. Each colour in the print represents one wooden block. The cloth is then hand printed through a series of a dozen steps, dictated by the specific chemical reactions of each individual natural dye, resist and mordant. Any variations or irregularities are part of the design and inherent to the production process.