Golden tendrils, wisping vines, and blooming flora, these petite Kashmir papier-mâché pieces,
though cute and dainty are saturated in a rich and deep history.
The papier-mâché technique of using paper pulp for making decorative objects was first adopted in Kashmir
in the 15th century by King Zain-ul-Abidin, who was imprisoned in Samarkand (Central Asia).
Upon his return to the Kashmir Valley, he brought with him skilled craftsmen whom
specialized in such techniques. With this, the art born in the land of Persia
began to flourish and reach new heights in Kashmir.
The process for making papier-mâché is relatively simple but is time consuming and laborious.
The skilled artisans involved with this painstaking process are called sakhta makers.
There are two main steps in the process of creating papier-mâché items.
The first is the sakhtsazi (mould making), or the actual production of the item.
The second is the naqqashi (painting), when the item is
painted with any number of motifs.
The materials involved with this process are discarded paper, cloth, straw of rice plant, copper sulfate,
which are mixed and made into a pulp. The pulp thus made is applied on molds made in wood or brass.
In earlier times, the mold was made of clay by the craftsman himself.
Naggashi, the painting step in this process, decorates the surface
of the papier-mâché item in intricate floral patterns or highly stylized
scenes of animals and battles.
As Spring approaches, De-cor showcases its new arrival of vintage handmade Kashmiri products.
Not only are we in love with their practicality, but we are also enamored with their bright
color schemes and intricate painted patterns.
We have a wide variety of designs and styles available to choose from,
making these Kashmiri papier-mâché products the perfect decorative accent for any interior.
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