Irfan Khatri is based in Bhuj, a city in the Kutch region of Gujarat in western India, where he and his family create hand block-printed textiles using traditional techniques and carefully carved wooden blocks.

The tradition of hand block printing has a long history across Sindh, now in southeastern Pakistan, and neighbouring Kutch in western India. Despite being separated by a modern border, the two regions share a deep and connected textile heritage, with generations of artisans developing distinctive patterns, intricate borders and traditional methods of printing and dyeing.

Each piece is created by hand, with different wooden blocks used to build up the outlines, motifs and borders layer by layer. The process requires patience and precision, with every impression carefully positioned to create the finished design.

I was drawn to Irfan's work because of the detail and character in each piece. Small variations in the pattern, colour and texture are a natural part of the hand-printing process, meaning no two stoles are ever exactly alike. For me, sourcing textiles is about more than simply finding beautiful pieces. I ideally aim to know who has made them, where they come from and something of the tradition behind them. I'm really pleased to be able to share Irfan's work through Rooh and introduce more people to the skill and beauty of hand block printing.