Paper
Mache, one of the most popular of crafts practiced in Kashmir today,
represents a tradition of worksmanship that dates back to the days
of Zain-ul-Abidin, "the Great king"(1420-1470.A.D.) Known
orginally as Kari-i-Qalamdani for being confined initially to ornamentation
of pen cases and book jackets in bold floral designs, the craft
has over the centuries achieved great perfection and evoloved into
delicate and elaborate ornamentation of a fantastic array of delightful
d,decorative and utility articles. These include flower vases, wall
plaques, bowls,trays and boxes of various shapes and sizes,bangles,mirror
cases,caskets,lamp-bases,screens, and even tables and chairs.
The technique involves two main operations, viz. moulding of paper
pulp and ornamentation of surfaces in painting. A solution of glue
and gypsum is applied to the material before the ground is painted
for ornate decoration by the naqash or the pattern drawer. Papier
Mache, however is a term that connotes more a techinque of surface
decoration rather then the material used. Light wood or cardborad
are occasional substitutes for paper pulp, depending on the nature
of the article being made.
Endowed with functional beauty. bright and gleaming papier mache
ware has a specialised grammar of motif and pattern. The traditional
Hazara or the "Thosand flowers" pattern is dominantly
in vogue with floral ensembles of rose, narcissus, hyacinth, tulip,iris
and host of other flowers blossoming in the charming hues of "Rangbasta"-blue,white,green,pure
gold etc. Then ther is 'Gul-i-Vilayat or the foreign flower which
is displayed alongwith leaves, steams and buds.Accomplished artists
even render miniature Moghal ppaintings on papier mache surfaces,creating
art pieces of distinctive value.
- Christmas ornaments
- Boxes
- Elephants
- other decorative items
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