Handicrafts of Kashmir

The culture of Kashmir is a diverse blend and highly influenced by northern South Asian as well as Central Asian culture. Along with its scenic beauty, Kashmir is famous for its cultural heritage; it amalgamates Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies and has involved composite culture based on the values of humanism and tolerance

Beautiful colors comes with beautiful rainbow likewise handicraft of kashmir is famous for the its beauty and handmade craft work. 

There are lots of handicrafts items are manufactured here i.e.

Carpets 

A carpet may well be the most expensive purchase from your trip to Kashmir but it is a lifelong investment. Kashmiri carpets are known the world over for two things. One is that they are handmade and the other is that they are always knotted, never tufted.

Namdas

Far less expensive are these colourful floor coverings made from woolen and cotton fibre which have been manually pressed into shape. Prices vary with the percentage of wool – a namda containing 80 per cent wool being more expensive than the one containing 20 per cent wool. Chain-stitch embroidery in woolen and cotton thread is done on these rugs.

Papier Mache

Besides at least three different grades of Papier Mache, there are some cheaper versions in cardboard or wood available too. To make Papier Mache, first paper is soaked in water till it disintegrates. It is then pounded, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being painted and varnished. Paper that has been pounded to pulp has the smoothest finish in the final product. 

The designs painted on objects of Papier Mache are brightly colored. They vary in artistry and the choices of colors. Gold is used on most objects, either as the only color, or as the highlight for certain motifs, and besides the finish of the product, it is the quality of the gold used which determines the price.

Shawls

Shawls are the beauty of Kashmir. There are lots of Kashmiri shawls manufactured like  wool, pashmina and shahtoosh. There are three fibres from which Kashmiri shawls are made wool, pashmina and shahtoosh.

Woolen shawls are popular because of the embroidery work on them, which is unique in Kashmir. Both embroidery and the type of wool used bring about differences in the price. 

Embroidery

There are many kinds of embroidery are worked on shawls. 'Sozni' (needlework) is generally done in a panel along the sides of the shawl. Embroidery is the art of kashmir and they are made with stylish manner. 

The stitch employed is not unlike stem stitch, and only the outline of the design is embroidered. 

Copper and Silverware

Decoration of home and living areas are the beauty of house. Kashmir is the place where home decoration items are made which are made up of copper and silverware. 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 like samovars, bowls, plates and trays.

Wood Carving

Wood Carving decoration gives a pretty look to your home and living areas. Wood Carving is famous in kashmir for its wood work and superior quality.

Its colour, grains and inherent sheen are unique and unmistakable, and the carving and fret- work that is done on this wood is of a very superior quality.  

FACT FILE
Famous Handicrafts :	Carpets, Shawls, Paper Mache, Copper Ware.
Exclusive Handicraft Item :	Jamwar or Kani Jami Shawl.
Shop For :	Pashmina shawl, willow Basket, Paper Mache boxes and Embroidered Pheran.
Items as Mementos and Gifts :	Rugs and Small Artifacts Made From Exquisite Walnut Wood.
What To Shop :	Srinagar - Walnut Wood Carved Articles, Paper Mache, Kashmiri Handicrafts and Carpets. Jammu - For Kashmiri Handicrafts, Traditional Dongra Jewellery.
Must Experience :	Witnessing A Carpet Being Knotted.
Shopping in Srinagar :	Lal Chowk – Carpets, Walnut Woodwork and Paper Machie Articles. Boulevard Road – Shawls, Brass and Silverware. Shikarawalla – Handicrafts and Artifacts.