Handicrafts in Kashmir

Kashmir – a valley nestled in Himalayas – apart from its beautiful landscapes, hill stations and other tourist destinations, is also globally famous for its Hand work. Usually known as Kashmiri Handicrafts, these artifacts are made by hands as a show of their mastery of the art. Some of the most famous artifacts that are manufactured in Kashmiri include Kashmiri Shawl, Kani Shawl, Paper Machie, Walnut Carvings and Do-Shalla.

Brought into Kashmir by the Persian travelers and preachers, these arts received state sponsorship and stayed in the common artists

Handicrafts in Kashmir Picture 2
sozni-embroidery

Best Handicrafts to Buy in Kashmir

In the blog we will look briefly at the Artifacts made by hand in Kashmir, their price and where to get them. Some of the artifacts most famous across globe are:

1. Kashmiri Shawls

  1. Kashmiri Shawl: traditionally made by shahtoosh, these arts were bought to Kashmir from Turkestan. It is known for its distinct Kashmiri weave; it is very light in weight and is worn by men across the subcontinent. This shawl was used by emperors across the world including the Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Empress Josephine the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.The price of a Kashmiri Shawl ranges between one and five lakh rupees and majorly depends on the size of the shawl and can be availed in Kashmir.
  1. Pashmina Shawl: Pashmina is a related kind of Kashmiri Shawl and is made by the more soft and exotic fiber of Pashmina. This fiber comes from the Wild Asian Mountain Goat, a rare species, and that is one of the reasons of its being exotic. This shawl is very comfortable during the winters and found a great admirer in the great Mughal King, Akbar.
  2. Kani Shawl: one of the oldest Shawl of Kashmir, this Shawl is known so because of its origin in the Kanihama area of Kashmir. This Shawl is woven from Pashmina Yarn. This shawl is said to be originated in Kashmir and is said to be originated in 3000 BC
Pashmina-Shawls-of-Kashmir

2. Kashmiri Carpets

Kashmiri Carpets in Kashmir: Said to be originated from Central Asia and the brought to Kashmir, there are many floor coverings that are famous for their craft, art and hand work.


    1. Namda: Namda is a Kashmiri floor mat made by felting of wool. Wool that comes directly from sheep, is sorted, layered and then felted is made into a Namda. This Namda is then decorated with some Aari work with different color of threads stitched into it. There are more than 30 Namda clusters in Srinagar.
    2. Qaleen: Qaleen is a hand knotted piled carpet. This is made either of Wool or Silk. Generally known as “Qal-baafi” in Kashmir, this art was developed in the 15th century in Kashmir. Qaleen of Kashmir is one of the most famous handicrafts in the world.
    3. Wagoo: Wagoo is a traditional mat made by reeds that usually grow in wetlands in Kashmir. It is made by knotting reeds by hand and is a cultural heritage is Kashmir.
Kashmir Tour

3. Crewel Embroidery in Kashmir

Crewel Embroidery in Kashmir: Crewel is a special kind of Embroidery done with a hook called Crewel and is generally used for Drapery and Upholstery. The embroidery is generally done a thick material with hand and different designs give each material a new look.

Also See, Book houseboat in Kashmir

4. Wood Carving in Kashmir

Carved Walnut-wood carvings are one of the important arts in Kashmir. Kashmir is one of the very few places that still have walnut wood even above 5500-7500 feet above the sea level.

Kashmiri Walnut Wood Carvings are known for their diversity in design, carvings, style and decorations. Items like Chairs, Tables, cigarette boxes, bowls and trays are known for their unique design, style and luxury looks.

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Walnut Kashmir Carving

5. Paper-Machie in Kashmir:

Paper-Machie in Kashmir: Paper-Machie is one of the unique arts in Kashmir. This art was originated in Kashmir during 15th Century and is said to have been brought here by Persian travelers.

This art of Paper pulp is made into designs is not only used in the decoration of artifacts, but in Kashmir there are multiple shrines and places of historical importance that are designed by this. Such Shrine includes Khanqah e Maula in Srinagar and Ziyarat Madin Saab in Zadibal, Srinagar, among others.

Paper Mache Kashmir
leather-suede-kashmiri-work-hand

6. Kashmir Leather Work

Kashmir Leather Work: Kashmiri Leather Work is yet another example of Kashmir’s fine artistry and valued heritage. Skilled Artisans use traditional tools and technique and polish and carve on high quality leather. The designs are further embellished with thread work and other related embroidery to create highly stunning designs and beautiful artifacts

Also See, 10 Days Kashmir Tour Package

Best Shops To Buy Handicrafts in Kashmir
  1. Baba Art and Crafts: Baba Art and Crafts is a Wholesale Shop located in Rainawari area of Srinagar, almost 07 kilometers from Lal Chowk. This shop majorly deals in Paper-Machie items and also has embroidery works and Shawl.
  2. Lucky Art Emporium: Located in Munawarabad in Srinagar almost 4 kilometers from Lal Chowk, this wholesale Arts Emporium deals in Kashmiri Shawls, Namda, Leather Bags and Dry Fruits. This shop is known for its exports to Europe and Central Asia.
  3. Government Arts Emporium, Srinagar: This Emporium is located on the Bund only a few hundred meters from the Lal Chowk. Although it was built to sell and promote Kashmiri handicrafts and the artisans who make them, it beautifully showcases Kashmiri heritage and culture. This place is one of the most authentic sources of Kashmiri Handicrafts and other Artifacts.
Art Emporium
Shop For handicafts
Where can you buy Kashmiri Artifacts in Srinagar?

When in Kashmir, it is indeed very much recommended to carry something for your loved ones. Kashmir has a well established industry of traditional handicrafts and other artisan decorative items that can add certainly to the beauty of your house.

Frequently asked questions

Some of the famous handicrafts of Kashmir are Kani Shawl, Pashmina Shawl, Namda, Qaleen etc

Some of the different types of Handlooms in Kashmir include Pashmina, Shahtoosh and Raffal

Kashmiri handicrafts are special items you should buy in Kashmir. Kashmiri Shawl, Namda and Paper-Machie items are famous globally.

 

Kashmiri Shawl is the most famous artifact in Kashmir

Kashmiri Shawls that is famous to buy in Kashmir re the Pashmina Shawls and Kani Shawls

Kani Shawl in Kashmir is dated back to 3000BC. This is one of the most famous and oldest Shawls produced in Kashmir.

Pashmina and Silk are two main threads used in Kashmiri Shawls

Paper-Machie is one of the famous art forms that are used for decorations in Kashmir

Pashmina Shawl is made of the fiber called Pashmina. It is collected from Wild Asian Mountain Goat

Yes, decorative as well as furniture made by Kashmiri Walnut Carving is strong as well as beautiful

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