KASHMIRI ART AND CRAFTS

KASHMIRI ART AND CRAFTS
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous the world over for its unique and splendid work of art and

crafts. Travel through even the remotest parts of the state will give an insight into the world of

art and craft in Jammu and Kashmir. Just about everything that is seen in Jammu and Kashmir has some

kind of art work done on it. The most prominent is the embroidery work on the shawls and the cloths

of Kashmiri people are very mesmerizing to be not noticed. You will also see the work of magic in wood

works, steel wares, Papier-mache. The embroidery of Kashmir, called kasida, is world-famous. Varied,

rich in colour, elaborate in detail and exquisite in execution, the kasida patterns are freely drawn

by the naqqash mostly from memory. The finest kasida work, particularly embroidered on shawls or saris,

has no ‘wrong’ side.The chain-stitch is also used for the making of a large number of miscellaneous

articles such as bags, screens and cushion covers.The various handicrafts are in tune with its age-old

splendid civilization, which has been perfected over centuries. Be it Kashmiri carpets, shawls, paper

machie or any other craft, it is only the kashmiri artisan who can hands down show his mastery to

crave out those master pieces of kashmiri art & craft. Kashmiri handicrafts have the tremendous potential

in the national and international arena. Be it Kashmiri carpet, shawls, paper machie all are exported

to different parts of the world from Kashmir.

Wood Carving…The wood carving is done only on the walnut wood and is available only in Kashmir. The

wood carving and fret work are with different depth levels. Deep carving is 2 or more inches deep and

the popular motifs are dragon or lotus flower. Second comes the Shallow carving and is usually half

inch or more deep, done on the entire flat surface, open or lattice work depicting the chinar motifs.

Finally their comes the semi carving done on the thin panel along rim of surface containing the center

motif.
Paper Mache…Papier Mache is another form of handicraft that has brought J&K wide acclaim from all

regions of the world. To make Papier Mache objects, the process is very long and tedious.The process

of making paper mache begin with the soaking paper until it disintegrates then the whole paper is

pounded to fine pulp and added with the adhesive. The material is shaped over molds and given particular

shapes and left to dry. These molds are then painted black that is the base color and left to dry

again. Latter Motifs are designed in gold or silver colors. Bed lamps, pen boxes, decorative are the

common paper mache items made, it is worth to visit the household who are involved in the occupation

and observe the process of making and coloring these items very minutely.

Shawls…A unique position among Kashmir textiles is held by the celebrated shawl known as Pashimina

shawl. The fabric of this shawl is extracted from the smooth fleecy wool of Kel goat by the handloom

artisans who are usually womenfolk.Shawls are the most famous offering of textile works from Jammu

and Kashmir. The final product is definitely impressive, but the method by which they are produced

is equally interesting. Even in the era of power looms, people of the state prefer making their textiles

the traditional way. The shawls are made of a special wool, called the Pashmina that is extracted

from the Kel goat.The shawls are then formed in two ways. In one way the weaving is done on the loom

itself and in other, the embroidery is done by hand after looming.The shawls may be defined in three

categories Woolen, Pashmina and Shahtoosh. The raffle shawls are most cheaper and coarse in texture

as compare to the Pashmina shawls. Cost of these shawls exclusively depend on the quality of the shawl

and the stitch work has done on it. Most expensive shawl is Shahtoosh also known as ring shawl as

it can literally pass through the ring and its material is known for the softness, lightness and warmth.