Kashmiri Handicrafts: The Ancient And Unique Art of Kashmir

In the valley of Kashmir, handicrafts have a very important role to play in the lives of the Kashmiris, not only as a representation of the diversified art and crafts but also as a major economic sector of the state. From shawls to carpets, Kashmiri handicrafts are worldwide recognized for its unique craftsmanship and uniqueness.
These are few handicrafts from the valley one should not forget to buy when in Kashmir:

Kashmiri carpets: In Kashmir, a home is incomplete without a “Kal baffi” or Kashmiri carpet and today it is in demand across the globe. Carpet weaving in Kashmir is not indigenous as it has arrived in Kashmir from Persia and this is why also Persian designs dominate Kashmiri carpets with variations from the locals.

Kashmir is known for the silken carpets which have two specialties. First, these are handmade and second, these are knotted carpets.

It takes at least 10 months to weave a good quality carpet. The number of knots in a carpet defines the quality of a Kashmiri carpet. Higher the number of knots in carpet better is the quality. Usually, a carpet with 600-800 knots is considered as a carpet of good quality and durability.

Shawls: Shawls are the staple winter wear for every Kashmiri woman. The Kashmiri shawls can be categorized as Woolen, Pashmina, and Shahtoosh. Woolen shawls are the cheapest and coarse in texture as compared to the other two types of shawls. Pashmina shawls are usually designed with embroideries by using dyed threads.

shahtoosh shawls are the most expensive shawls, known for its softness and lightness. Shahtoosh shawl is so fine that it even can be pulled with ease through a finger ring and that’s why Shahtoosh shawl is also known as "ring shawl".

However, according to the Central Government policy on wildlife protection, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned the production of shahtoosh shawl because the Chiru or Tibetan Antelope, from which Shahtoosh wool was extracted has become an endangered species now.

Papier Mache: Paper Mache or ‘Kari-Kalamdani’ is the most famous handicraft of Kashmiris known for its decorative flower and bird designs, which owe much to the influence of Mughal art as this art was favored by the Mughal emperors of the 15th and 16th century.

Waste papers are the main material for making a Paper Mache. It is a great way of utilizing the waste paper and giving it all a new artistic form. A variety of paper Mache articles with beautiful designs, such as flower vases, pen stands, lamp shades, photo frames, jewelry boxes etc., are made by Kashmiri craftsmen.

Usually, golden color dominates a Papier Mache artifact with some unique motifs of historical figures, battle scenes, animals etc.

The ceiling at the Shah Hamdan Mosque at Fatehkadal and the Mughal gardens, at Shalimar in Srinagar, has some famous Paper Mache designs.

Walnut Wood Carvings: Walnut wood is the rarest wood types and in India, it is only found in Kashmir and locally known as ‘Doon Kul”. Apart from bearing healthy nuts, walnut woods are also used for carving furniture. Walnut wood carvings are globally recognized as the most exquisite form of art and the finest art done by Kashmiri craftsmen.Walnut woodcarving found its way to Kashmir through Islamic missionary Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, about 600 to 700 years ago.

Wood carving in Kashmir is done on a variety of objects like a bed, table, chair, pot, jewelry box, photo frame etc.

 

Craftsmen decorate the wood carvings with diverse designs that bear the dragon, lotus flower motifs, and Chinar motifs, bunches of grapes etc.

Pahalgam and Sonmarg in Kashmir are homes to some of the oldest groves.

Rich and varied art and culture of Kashmir it makes the crown of India in a true sense. The craftsmen of Kashmir, over the years, have taken the Kashmiri handicrafts to another level making it famous in the entire world. Kashmiris proved that really “Art has no boundaries”.