Handicrafts of Kashmir

Kashmiri handicrafts are a rich collection of traditional crafts, including Pashmina shawls, world-renowned hand-knotted carpets, intricate papier-mâché items, and detailed walnut wood carvings. Other prominent crafts include crewel embroidery, silver and copper work, and namda felted rugs. These crafts reflect a blend of cultural influences, with origins in Central Asia and Persia, and many have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags to protect their authenticity.

Types of Kashmiri handicrafts

Pashmina Shawls: Crafted from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat, these shawls are known for their softness and warmth, often featuring intricate hand-embroidered designs.
Carpets: Kashmiri carpets are famous for being hand-knotted, following Persian styles, and are available in both silk and wool.
Crewel and Chain Stitch: These embroidery styles create beautiful, complex patterns on fabrics for items like wall hangings and cushion covers.
Namda and Gabba: These are colorful floor coverings made from manually pressed wool and cotton fibers.
Woodwork:
Walnut Wood Carving: Kashmir is one of the few regions where walnut trees grow, and artisans carve intricate designs onto a variety of products like furniture, boxes, and decorative items.
Khatamband: A traditional art of ceiling decoration using small wooden pieces.
Other Crafts:
Papier-mâché: Artisans create decorative objects from paper pulp, which are then painted with vibrant and intricate designs.
Silver and Copperware: Items like jewelry, utensils, and decorative objects are made with intricate designs.
Basketry: Baskets are made from willow rushes, which grow abundantly in the region, and are used for various purposes from shopping to decorative lampshades.