Kashmiri Basketry: The basket industry is of importance, and most villages have their artesian who
makes the necessary basket for the kangar, and basket for agricultural purposes,
and the kiltas used for the transport of apples and for rough village work. The
superior kiltas, covered with leather, so familiar to European traveler, are
made in the city.
Willow rushes that grow plentifully in marches and lakes in
Kashmir are used to make charmingly quaint objects, ranging from shopping
baskets and lampshades to table and chairs, all generally inexpensive.
Kashmiri Carpets: Kashmiri carpets are renowned throughout the world mainly for two
reasons one being that they are handmade and second they are always knotted not
tufted. Carpet weaving in Kashmir was not originally indigenous but is thought
to have come in by way of Persia. Till today, most designs are distinctly
Persian with local variations. One example, however, of a typically Kashmiri
design is the tree of life. Persian design notwithstanding, any carpet woven in
Kashmir is referred to as Kashmiri carpet. The colors- way of a carpet and its details
differentiate it from any other carpet. And while on the subject of color, it
should be kept in mind that although the colors of Kashmiri carpets are more
subtle and muted than elsewhere in the country, only chemical dyes are used.
Kashmiri Chain Stitch & Crewel Furnishings: Because of the high Quality of embroidery done on wall hangings
are rugs, Kashmiri crewel work is in great demand throughout the world. Chain
stitch, be it in the wool, silk or cotton, is done by hook rather than by
needle. The hook is referred to as ari, and quality for quality, hook work
covers a much larger area than needle work in the same amount of time.
Crewel is basically similar to chain stitch. It is also chain
stitch done on a white background, but here the motifs, mainly stylized flower,
do not cover the entire surface, and the background is not embroidered upon.
Wool is almost invariably used in crewel work and colourways are not as
elaborate as in chain stitch. This fabric is available in bolts, and is sold by
the length.
Kashmiri Copper Work: Perhaps the most effective and certainly the best value for the
money is the copper work of Srinagar. The coppersmith work with a hammer and
chisels, and many of the present coppersmiths are men who used once to work in
silver. They also work in brass, Their designs are very quaint and bold, and
they are very ready to adopt any new pattern that may be offered to them. A
large demand has arisen for the beautiful copper trays framed as tables in
carved walnut-wood, and the carpenter is now the close ally of coppersmith.
Kashmiri Namdas: Namda is widely acclaimed to have been originated during 11th
century when Akbar, the great Mughal ruler was on throne. History of the period
reveals that the king ordered his exchequer to arrange for a suitable coverage
for his horse who was affected by biting cold. In response to the proclamation
that was done in this behalf, a wise old man from the east stood up and offered
his intention of felt. He was Nubi by name. The man manufactured the felt
himself and embroidered the same in multicolored beautiful designs. The felt so
made aws given the title of Namda after the name of its manufacturer Nubi. The
King Akbar is said to have been immensely impressed by the workmanship of Nubi
and is said to have granted him villages in honor.
Far less expensive are these colorful floor coverings made from
woolen and cotton fiber which has been manually pressed into shape. Prices vary
with the percentage of wool-in namda containing 80 percent wool being more
expensive than one containing 20 percent more wool. Embroidery is also done on
namdas to make it more beautiful One of the most preserved ornamentation's in
the world
Kashmiri Papier Mache:
is among the most renowned Handicrafts of Kashmir.
The
craft represents a rich tradition of craftsmanship that dates back to the reign
of Zainul Abidin Budshah (1420-1470 AD). The paper mache of Kashmir is also as Kar-i-Kalamdani, as best specimens of old work were the pen-cases (kalamdan) , with
the passage of time great perfection has been achieved in this art. Papier mache
as of today covers the whole range of poignant products that keep the customers
alluring throughout the world.
Mughal miniature paintings in papier mache, creating an object of
rather an unsurpassed value. Gold powder is also added to some of the object to
make them alluring.
Kashmiri
Silver Work: The silver-work of Kashmir is extremely beautiful, and some of
the indigenous patterns, the chinar and lotus leaf, are of exquisite design. The
silversmith works with a hammer and chisel, and will faithfully copy any design
which may be given to him. Up to recent years, the silver-work of Kashmir had a
peculiar white sheen time, very beautiful at first sight, but apt to tarnish
after short time. This whiteness is said to be due to the practice of boiling
the silver work in apricot juice.
Kashmiri Walnut Wood
Carving: Items made from walnut wood come from three parts of
the tree, the branches, the trunk and the root. The branches have the palest
colour of wood, and the trunk the darkest. As walnut is a soft wood, it takes
carving very well. Chinar leaves, vine leaves and flowers can be either carved
along borders or can be either carved along borders or can fill entire surfaces.
The artistry of the carving and its abundance dictates the cost. Trinket boxes
and the larger jeweler boxes should have invincible seams. Other walnut wood
objects are salad bowls, nut bowls, nut bowls, photo frames, trays and
walnut furniture, Kashmiri walnut furniture has made it name in the industry. This can range from a simple telephone stand or nesting tables to a
dining table with six chairs.
Price of walnut furniture of kashmir is based on various factors
like thickness
of wood used, quality of wood carving, amount of wood carving on the furniture
and quality of the walnut wood used in making walnut furniture. Other items made from
kashmiri walnut wood are bar cabinets which fold open, dining
tables, matching chairs, coffee tables, elegant writing desk and sideboards-
with deep relief work or restrained motifs which highlight the texture of wood
itself.
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