Quite a departure from earlier ‘Bancons’, this
year’s Bancon shall be organising a
Sale-cum-Exhibition of the exquisite handicrafts
of Kashmir.
Aptly named ‘Exposition on Culture Industries of
Kashmir’, the exhibition will offer a visual
treat to the delegates besides allowing them the
opportunity to take home some memorable
souvenirs from the beautiful valley of Kashmir
Kashmir Handicrafts are a valued legacy of
Kashmir and a reflection of our age-old splendid
civilization. The uniquely exquisite
craftsmanship, perfected over centuries, has
become a novel blend of viable economic
activities and rich cultural heritage.
Be it Kashmiri carpets, shawls, papier-mâché,
crewel embroidery, wood carving or any other
form of handicraft, it is only the Kashmiri
artisan, whose crafty hands still remain
unparalleled throughout the world. The best
thing about these gifted hands is that they have
responded positively to the emerging trends in
textile and related industries; willingly
accepting design and technical interventions to
enable innovation and diversification in order
to be competitive in the international markets.
And this receptiveness has already started
paying the dividends as state registered a
mammoth export level of Rs.600 crore last year.
Here is an introduction to some of these
majestic artworks of Kashmir.
The Royal Carpets…
Kashmir carpet is the confluence of creativity,
culture and craftsmanship. From the simple to
the most extraordinarily intricate patterns,
handed down the generations, these carpets are
hand made and knotted. Woven with silk or wool
these carpets have carved a place of their own
in the furnishing industry. If silk carpets have
a superb eye-catching and permanent luster,
carpets woven in wool present a decent and
charismatic look. Available in varied designs,
colour combinations, permutations and sizes,
these carpets have dominated the sector’s export
scenario on account of their fabulous demand in
international markets. This prized craft is
believed to have come to Kashmir from Persia.
Though exotic Persian designs are still in
vogue, yet a classy local touch in the form of
inspiring designs and innovative variations have
made this art form all the more vibrant and
impressive.
The Perfect Papier-Mâché…
Representing the rich tradition of craftsmanship
that dates back to the reign of famous Kashmiri
King Zain-ul-Abideen Budshah (1420-1470AD) Paper
Mâchié involves creation of various decorative
as well as utility items from paper pulp. The
artistic strokes of a paintbrush transform these
items into objects of desire. Earlier Paper-Mâché
was confined to the making of few items only;
however this craft evolved with time and today
offers an exciting range of products that
fascinate customers throughout the world. Flower
Vases, mirror frames, lamps, screens, trays,
book jackets, mobile holders and Jewellery boxes
are only a few products in Paper Mâchié.
The stylish Shawl…
Kashmiri shawls have historically been sound
statements of style and stateliness. The most
cherished over-garments in the world, they are
believed to be indigenous to Kashmir.
Among the varieties, Pashmina shawl stands out
from the rest because of its softness and
finesse.
Kani shawl, another beautiful creation of the
local crafty hands, has of late become a status
symbol in rich circles. It involves a labourious
and skillful technique of creating design in
weaving - using coloured threads.
Then there are shawls that owe their
distinctiveness to the designs, patterns and
colour schemes of the embroidery they adorn;
Sozni (needle work) and Aari (crotchet) being
the most in demand.
The
Wonderful Wood Carving…
Famous all over the world for the craftsmanship
depicted through the beautiful wooden products,
the walnut wood carving of Kashmir is done
delicately in various styles depicting forms and
motifs that have evolved over centuries. The
carving employs a host of motifs that are
largely based on the varied flora and fauna of
the region. A variety of articles of immense
appeal and functional efficiency like trays,
bowls, chess board, jewellery box
cigarette-boxes, tables, lamps, office-screens,
chairs and other items of furniture are crafted
out of walnut wood in tune with the consumer
preferences.
The
Exquisite Crewel Work…
Crewel embroidery provides a very dazzling and
durable material for draperies and upholsteries.
The embroidery is done on thick woven cloth
called Dusooti in local parlance with pointed
hook- the crochet. The curtains, rugs and mats
with crewel embroidery are simply charming in
their look. The craft is believed to have been
introduced in Kashmir by Syrian traders in 13th
century AD. The crewel drapery is very popular
in Western markets and therefore has a good
export market.
The Charming Chain Stitch…
Chain-stitch, as the name suggests, is the
continued stitch done with a hooked awl (Aari)
on the hand woven cloth. Chain-stitch
embroidered materials are used as wall hangings
for interiors or as floor coverings. The chain
stitch embroidery could be done with various
yarns including wool, staple or silk depending
upon the quality desired.
We are
delighted to present, for your interest and
exploration, this exceptional collection of
ornamental as well as functional Kashmiri art
forms that have traditionally been the Culture
industries of J&K.
