Kashmir has been producing exquisite handicrafts for ages—Kashmiri artisan’s expertise in their fine craft. The districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam are known for their cultural heritage, which reflects completely on the age-old handicraft industries of the region.
Pashmina, wooden work, Phoolkari embroidery, Crewel embroidery, and Carpet making are some of Jammu and Kashmir’s most aesthetically and commercially important handicraft industries. The state has one of the best picturesque across the globe and speaks volumes about the artistic expertise of the people there.
Here are a few of the handicrafts of Kashmir-
01. Pashmina
Pashmina is a luxury item from Kashmir and is a timeless classic.. You will not find this warm woolen fabric anywhere else in India. Pashmina has obtained the fleece of the Himalayan mountain goat or the Changthangi goat. This raw wool is turned into fine shawls by processing. The pure pashmina cannot tolerate high tension; hence processing is mandatorily required for the fabric.
Pashmina shawls are extremely popular nationwide, so the demand for raw materials is extremely high. According to the Grassroot artisans, a Pashmina fabric could be used for over a hundred years, making it timeless.
02. Crewel Embroidery
It is a variety of embroidery using chain stitches done with threads made out of wool. Crewel embroidery is mostly done on fabrics used for furnishings or upholsteries. Flowers and leaves seem to be popular patterns. Curtains, bed covers, cushions, and pillow covers with Crewel embroidery can be found nationwide. The amount and exquisiteness of the embroidery determine the material’s price.
03. Sozani Embroidery
Another popular form of embroidery is from the Kashmir region. The motifs are created in a satin stitch and are worked on both sides of the fabric. The stitch work is also called Dorukha sometimes. This embroidery is used to decorate shawls and woolen apparel. The craft has a lot of Persian influences to it. The artisan executing sozani embroidery is known as Sozankars.
04. Wooden Work
Kashmir is also famous for its exquisite wooden handcrafted work. Skillful artisans carve out beautiful motives on chinar or walnut wood. These designs will leave you mesmerized. Walnut trees are indigenous to Kashmir. Wooden handicrafts include cabinets, beds, dining tables, and more.
05. Hand-knitted Carpet
Densely hand-knotted carpets are a specialty of Kashmir. These carpets are popularly known as Kal Baffi. They are made of silk, cotton, and wool. They are available in various colors and designs. There are around 200-900 knots in each carpet, and the price depends on the density of knots. The silk carpets have a lot of Persian influence on them.
06. Phoolkari
Phoolkari is another embroidery style that is predominantly found in parts of Punjab. The principal motif, as the name suggests, is of flowers. Even a few years back, Phoolkari was an essential bridal trousseau in the region. Handkerchiefs, apparels, and cushion cover curtains are some of the phoolkari work items found in Kashmir.
07. Basholi Painting
Basholi paintings are inspired by religious themes, which include tales from Gita, Ramayana, and other mythological books. Basholi is a small town located in the Kathua district of the Jammu division. Blazing colors and bold lines mark them. They speak volumes about the Rick culture of the state.
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08. Papier Mache
A popular handcraft of Kashmir made of paper pulp. Paper pulp mixed is mixed with glue or resin and molded into various shapes. Organic colors are usually used to color it.
Few Handicraft Shops In Kashmir
Kashmir Novelties- Hari Market Road, Jammu, 180001
International Wood Handy Craft- Marble Market Road, Sec.1A, Extn. Trikuta Nagar, near Khurana Marble, Jammu, Jammu, and Kashmir
Kashmir Collections- Apsara Rd, opp. Apsara Multiplex, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180004
Also Read: Handicrafts Of Gujarat – A treasure house