The handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir

The handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir

The handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts include some vibrant hand-made crafts, which symbolize the cultural significance of the state. The craftsmen of Jammu and Kashmir have mastered in making items like carpets, baskets, wall hangings, shawls and much more. The handicraft industry of the state is thriving and it provides employment to a large mass of local people of the valley.Papier mache is a very old form of handicrafts in Jammu & Kashmir, which is equally popular in the state. The original art of papier mache, which uses original gold painted items are quite expensive. However, there are many replicas being created and sold in local market at low prices as well.Embroidery is another traditional handicraft of Jammu and Kashmir. Intricate yet wonderfully beautiful embroidery on cotton fabrics looks amazing. This handicraft makes lovely wall hangings as well as other garments. Another popular craft of Kashmir is the basket making. Baskets are made up of skin of willow trees, which are found in abundance in the state.The popularity as well as the importance of Kashmiri Shawls in the handicraft market of Jammu and Kashmir is very old. These delicate shawls are soft and comfortable to use and has a great demand in the international market. The making of these shawls is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of concentration and patience. The embroidery in these shawls is done by colorful threads and the raw material is hand weaved before using for embroidery. Most of these shawls are made of three fibers, namely, wool, Pashmina and Shahtoosh.