CRAFT TRADITION
KASHMIR : Beyond Scenic Beauty
DAR JAVED
darjaveed305@gmail.com
The Snow Clad mountains , the enchanting angelic natural beauty of the valley is what rightly makes kashmir as “The paradise of Earth” but kashmir is not only about the scenic beauty . It is beyond that and yes , you guess it right , Every Tradition here in kashmir is a beauty in itself and it steals the show . Amidst all one such beauty is the kashmir handicrafts . Kashmir is the heaven for the finest arts and crafts that have been carefully nurtured for the centuries . A variety of motifs/designs techniques anid craft processes flourished in the land as the people from different regions and many skilled craftsmen decided to settle amidst its beautiful and charming abundance of natural beauty. With time, these arts have gained even more distinctiveness and today Kashmir is globally known for woolen textiles,Namda (Felting ) Aari ,Sozni, Tilla embroidered suits, Kashmir silk saris, papier mache, woodcarving, hand knotted carpets and lot of other traditional arts.
Despite of tremendous increase and influence of modernity and mechanisation, the artisanal fine work and skill continue to receive world-wide acclaim. The traditional woollen shawls, papier-mache goods, wood-carvings, Felt making (Namda) and carpets have all survived the onslaughts of many centuries of socio-economic evolution only because the craft objects of Kashmir are ingrained in the socio-economic ethos of the people.
Kashmiri crafts are known for their intricacy and exclusivity and are very important because of their contribution to the state’s economy.The contribution of these crafts to the state is about 3,000 crores. There are presently sixteen crafts practised in Kashmir.
CRAFT TRADITIONS PRACTISED:
1. KASHMIR PASHMINA : Among all handicraft items the Shawls have maintained the state of popularity among customers both domestic and foreigners from centuries. Kashmir Pashmina is the first officially registered item in GI registry of India among handicraft goods of Jammu and kashmir.(A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin). The specifications for “Kashmir Pashmina” to be registered under GI are:
1. made using Hand-spun yarn
2. A Hand-woven fabric by artisans of J&K
3. made of 100% pashm having fineness of 16 microns fiber diameter.
2. PAPIER MACHIE : As Kashmir is the valley of artisans where many arts have found their roots .one such art which remain an integral part of the valleys culture is the Paper Mache Art. The beautiful art of paper Mache is heart and soul of Kashmir culture. The amazing transformation of scrap or waste paper into beautiful artefacts done in decorative beauty to outshine the very essence of colors is what paper Mache is all about .
In Kashmir, paper machie originated in the form of making pen cases (qalamdans) from paper pulp. The qalamdans were in turn covered with floral or geometric patterns and finished with a coat of rogan (varnish). It was for this reason the craft was initially referred to as kar-i-qalamdan (the art of making pen cases) or alsokar-i-munaqash (the art of decorating).
Paper Machie artists stroke (picture above ) Motif of papier Machie
3. WALNUT WOOD CARVING :
Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows. Kashmir also contributes close to 98% of the entire output of walnuts in India, which makes walnut wood carving one of the most important crafts of the region. A walnut wood carving of Kashmir employes a process of hand carving done very carefully and delicately ,in various styles by means of varied tools ,fabricated locally depicting Forms and Motifs ,that have evolved over a period of centuries.
The Carving employs a host of motifs that depict the varied Flora and Fauna of the region in a highly styled manner.
Manzoor Ahmad walnut wood Carver artisan Chopping board walnut wood
4. CREWEL EMBROIDERY: Crewel work has a rich history, stretching at least as far back as early medieval times, influenced by exotic flora and fauna, this form enjoyed popularity in the Jacobean area, in Europe and America during 17th and 18thcentury. With elaborate designs and patterns, this art was common during the reign of king James 1 of England in 1500s.
It is said that crewel embroidery came to Kashmir when traders from Damascus (A city situated in the centre of the Silk Road lay at the crossroads of two trade routes one from India) came to Kashmir in 13thcentury.
The craft in Kashmir uses a specialised tool called AAR OR HOOK .
5. NAMDA (FELTING ) :
Namda: is usually a sandwich of many layers of all wool flattened over each other. After a layer is spread, it is sprinkled homogeneously with water and pressed with a tool known as ‘Pinjra’ (woven willow wicker).
6. SOZNI CRAFT:
Sozni is one of the most sophisticated forms of needle embroidery in the world. This extremely fine, delicate and artistic needle work is only practised in kashmir and has no parallels anywhere else .This craft has brought laurels and is in great demand .
7. CARPET : A Kashmir rug is a hand-knotted oriental rug from Kashmir which is associated with Kashmiri handicrafts. Kashmir rugs or carpets have intricate designs that are primarily oriental, floral style in a range of colors, sizes and quality.
8. Copper ware: known as Traam has been an indispensable commodity in Kashmir since ages. The age old art of crafting copperware is deep rooted in Kashmir culture.
Copperware Mohammad aslam .
Dar Javed is a graduate in craft design management and Entrepreneurship .
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