ARTS & CRAFTS of Kashmir

Everybody associates Kashmir’s handicrafts with carpets, but there’s a whole lot besides.

Depending on the quality of one’s purchase, one can either pay as little as Rs. 10, or a

few lakhs. There are numerous qualities exist side by side in Kashmir to suit a variety

of budgets.There are many ways of earning in kashmir and also there is lot much of tradition

to see.

Here is the list of some of the craft products:

1.Carpet Making Nowadays

Present day carpets come in a variety of sizes – three by five foot, four by six foot, and so on.

They are either made of pure wool, wool with a small percentage of silk to give a sheen, or pure silk.

2.BASKET WEAVING

Willow rushes that grow plentifully in marshes and lakes in Kashmir are used to make charmingly quaint

objects, ranging from shopping baskets and lampshades to tables and chairs, all generally in expensive.

3.NAMDAS

Far less expensive are these colorful floor coverings made from woolen and cotton fiber, which has been

manually pressed into shape. Prices vary with the percentage of wool – a Namda containing 80% wool being

more expensive than one containing 20% wool. Chain stitch embroidery in woolen and cotton thread is

worked on these rugs.

4.PAPIER-mache

Instantly recognisable as a product of Kashmir are the papier-mache items. They’re usually reasonable,

well made, light and easy to carry. The basic papier-mâché article, made in a mould, is painted and

polished in successive layers until the final intricate design is produced.

5.LEATHER & FUR

One can have shoes or boots or leather coats made to measure in just a few days in Srinagar . The

beautifully embroidered Suede coats are particularly interesting, but one has to put one’s conscience

in the back seat when it comes to the fur trim. The same goes for the many fur coats – fur should be

left on the backs of its original owners.