Papier Mache

Papier-mache is a delicate decorative art, which showcases the artistic zeal of a craftsman. This art was introduced in Kashmir in the 15th Century by a Kashmiri Prince who spent years in prison at Samarkand in Central Asia. The art born in the land of Persia was highly favored by Mughal Emperors of 15th and 16th Century.

This unique craft involves the use of paper pulp for creating beautiful artifacts painted by expert craftsmen in lifelike images of kingfishers, maple leaves and other motifs. The ingenious papier-mache artisans of Kashmir transform a variety of utility articles into rare art pieces. The creation of a papier-mache object can be divided into two distinct categories, the sakhtsazi (making the object) and the naqashi (painting the surface). The colors for painting designs on the surface are obtained by grinding and soaking various vegetable mineral dyes in pigment or stone form. The final product is a beautiful art work that cannot be called a creation of one artist. It travels many pairs of talented hands before reaching a table or a mantel. Above all other talents, the aesthetic sensibility and hereditary skills are most essential in these craftsmen.

Papier-Mache, today, has become highly stylized and appealing by using real gold and silver paint and by adding intricate decorations. The designs and decorations of the Kashmiri Papier Mache, usually in the form of flowers and birds, have a strong Persian flavor. Among other rich designs are 'Arabesque', done in gold against a brown or red ground to show sprays of rose blossoms in fine lines and 'Yarkand', an elaborate design built up in spirals with gold rosettes radiating from various centers and white flowers laid over gold scroll work.

Our product line includes: papier mache mask, papier mache recipe, papier mache doll, embellishing mache papier, papier mache box, papier mache house, papier mache snowman, papier mache antique, papier mache sculpture, papier mache bead, etc.

From Christmas celebrations to birthday gifts, corporate gifts, or a memorable souvenir papier-mache can assist anyone in reconciling and rekindling happiness and cherishable moments for long. Request a quote or more information, it will be our pleasure to cater you with our unique line of papier-mache products.

Copper/Silverware

The Kashmiri artisans produces excellent products of copperware consisting mostly of cooking pots and 'samovars' (tea kettle of Russian origin) and sundry articles for the household or the mantelpiece. The copperware of Srinagar is admiringly adapted for electroplating.

The old city abounds with shops where objects of copper line the walls; the floor and even the ceiling made generally for the local market. Craftsmen can often be seen engraving objects of household utility-samovars, bowls, plates and trays. Floral, stylized, geometric, leaf and sometimes calligraphic motifs are engraved or embossed on copper, and occasionally silver, to cover the entire surface with intricate designs which are then oxidized, the better to stand out from the background. The work known as naqash determines the price of the object, as does the weight.

Both plain and engraved work is executed to cater to the differing tastes of buyers, which include many American tourists. The range of silverware is indeed wide: silver tea sets, flower vases, toilet sets, ornamental picture frames, cigarette cases, tumblers etc. Designs of the lilac, a popular flower of the valley are also wrought in the silver.

A melange of traditional and the modern our copper & silverware products are a celebration of kashmiri craftsmanship. We can customize our product line as per your specifications, so kindly send in your queries or request for a quote.