An interview with Rahul Jain

Textile designer and historian Rahul Jain was born – and lives and works– in New Delhi. In 1993, Jain set up ASHA, a workshop of traditional Indian drawlooms in Varanasi. ASHA weaves patterned samite, lampas, double-cloth and velvet textiles, modelled on Indian, Iranian, and Turkish fabrics. ASHA’s woven images, motifs, and textures are inspired by Mughal, Safavid and Ottoman silks, and are made in pure silk, gold and silver. As a centuries-old Indo-Iranian art nears extinction, Jain discusses the importance of continuing this ancient craft today, and his fascination with the materials.