Razzaque is the eldest son of Mohammed Siddique Khatri, a traditional ajrakh printer who won the national award for craft in 1981. Razzaque was to follow in his father’s footsteps, winning the national award himself in 1998. Razzaque has participated in numerous international exhibitions and workshops, achieving high honours wherever his blockprints are shown. In addition to his national award, he has also received two National Merit Certificates. He continues the tradition by training his sons in the family art, which can be traced back nine generations.

Ismail was also taught the family art by his father, and his work has been acclaimed internationally. In 2002 he presented workshops and lectures at the Iowa Color Congress; in 2003 he was awarded an honourary doctorate from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Also in 2003 Ismail participated in the Resurgence Exhibition of the Manly Council in Australia, showcasing work specially designed to reflect the post-earthquake situation. Both brothers attended the UNESCO conference on Natural Dyes held in Hyderabad, India, in 2006.

LINKS: Maiwa Foundation: Cloth, Culture, Crisis – Ajrakh

Maiwa is asking for the help of the public and is offering a reward for information leading to the return of this textile. If anyone sees an embroidery like the one pictured or has any information that could lead to the recovery of this item please contact us at 1 604 669 3939. This piece is valued at $3500.00.

See our website for more information on the KMVS cooperative and its embroiderers.

" Cloth embodies the timeless need for human expression; it touches every part of our lives. It represents our heritage and our future. Cloth connects us with cultures around the world. It speaks a global language.

"Through understanding the process of textile construction we may learn about other communities, about identity – about other parts of our human family.

"For centuries Asia has drawn seekers of an experience un-namable, something misplaced along the industrialized road of bigger, faster – better. There is wisdom in the indigenous cultures of the world. Assimilated into craft, it reveals a web of interconnectedness, and reflects the voice of people living closely with and adapting to an ever-changing landscape.

"When asked by a reporter how one could understand India, Gandhi replied, "Study her villages." – and so we do. Over the past decades Maiwa has committed itself to ethical trade and craft practices. Our business mandate is to trade directly with the individual craftspeople, thereby offering the full value of the work to the creator. We've established many successful partnerships and continue to develop more with emerging artisans. By offering translation, training, and resources both locally and abroad Maiwa forms a bridge between consumer and craftsperson.

"Following the threads of their work, we look to craftspeople everywhere as a vital link to the sensual world. Their hands express an intimate understanding of the place they inhabit – the struggles, the joy and energy of creative expression that weave their way through the practice of craft.

"In many parts of the world cloth is used to sanctify rites of passage. In Indonesia, batik is revered as sacred cloth. It is a vehicle for meditation. The saffron robes of buddhist monks are ritually dyed to maintain their soft yet vibrant colour. The meanings of complex and sophisticated textiles from India are as ancient as its civilizations. The symbolism of cloth reaches deeply into all of Indian life. 

"Folk art tends to evolve in line with contemporary beliefs and traditions. It is transformed gradually by changes in economic and social structure. It offers a vivid perspective on both historic and current events.

"Craftspeople preserve traditions as they pass them on. Maiwa's passion for collection, teaching and honouring textiles is dedicated to these artisans. More than a collection of colours, textures, techniques and textiles, Maiwa is an intention to experience the incredible creative spirit which is alive in all of us.

Made where peacocks land on the verandah and parrots swoop in the evening air. A line of bedding that fills your room with the exquisite delights of India. You will also enjoy the feeling of organic cotton, dyed naturally in a rich beautiful palette. Hand printed by the master craftspeope of Bagru who have practiced the art for generations.

For more details about organic certification and to see this sensual line of bedding please visit our Granville Island Store, located in the Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver.