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12ISS Workshop with Abduljabbar Khatri: Bandhani on Mulberry Silk

Explore this 17th Century Resist-Dye Craft from the Khatri community of Kutch, Gujarat, India

Monday, September 28, 2026
2:00 – 5:00 PM CEST
Basel, Switzerland

Instructor: Abduljabbar Khatri from Kutch, Gujarat, India
Skill Level: All

Explore the ancient Bandhani resist-dye technique from Kutch, Gujarat, India known for its intricate textures and patterns of dots. Jabbar, a master Bandhani artisan, will guide participants through the process of plucking, pinching, and tying tiny bindings with thread on mulberry silk to create dye-resist designs and textures. This binding process is done entirely by hand. Participants will then dye their Bandhani pieces in natural dyes.

Through examples of traditional Bandhani pieces, Jabbar will share this craft’s history in the Kutch community. Local communities develop their own signature designs and color schemes.

OUR INSTRUCTOR

Abduljabbar Khatri from Kutch, Gujarat, India founded the design house SIDR Craft with his brother Abdullah in 1992. The brothers grew up watching their mother tying pieces of cloth for Bandhani and learnt this craft from her.

Today, SIDR Craft works to revive the lost Bandhani technique and create exquisite examples of the art form. The organization includes an in-studio dyeing team and about 200 women artisans from eight villages who are encouraged to experiment with patterns, colours, and layouts to develop their own design aesthetic. SIDR provides these artisans with the means to earn income. The Sidr Craft founding brothers have been awarded the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for standard-setting craftsmanship.

For more information, please email
info[at]shibori.org