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Handicrafts of Kashmir

Kashmiri BasketryKashmiri 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 CarpetsKashmiri 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.

Chain Stitch & Crewel FurnishingsKashmiri 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 WorkKashmiri 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 NamdasKashmiri 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 Paper MacheKashmiri 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

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 WalnutKashmiri 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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