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Kashmir is
renowned for its distinctive
and fine handicrafts. Many of
these developed when Srinagar
was an entrepot on the ancient
trans Himalayan trade route.
Kashmiri shawls are world wide
renowned for their softness
and warmth. The best are
Pashmina and Shahtush. The
Kashmiri Shawls are thus the
luxury items their manufacture
remaining an important source
of employment in the valley.
Hand knotted carpets are
available in pure wool and
mixed with cotton and silk.
The pattern tend to the
traditional, the Persian and
bukhara styles being common
though figurative designs such
as the Tree of life are
becoming increasingly popular. |
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A large
carpet take months to complete,
the price depending on the density
of knots and material used, silk
being by far the most expensive.
After knotting the pile is trimmed
with scissors, loose threads burnt
off and the carpet washed and
dried. Paper mache boxes, trays, coasters make
ideal gifts. Paper is soaked,
dried, mould then painted and
lacquered. Traditionally natural
coloring was used (like gold leaf
for gold, charcol for black). The
patterns can be highly intricate
and the finish exquisite.
Other crafts include crewel work
(chain stitching) on fabric), fur
coats and 'kashmiri silver'
jewellery, silk and fine wood
carving, particularly on walnut
wood. |
Shopping for Art and Craft |
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Kashmir is famous for its
handicrafts and noted for its
distinctive embroidery. Carpets,
papier-mache articles, wood
carving embroidery, knitted items
and saffron will be just some of
the items are provided for buying.
There are a number of government
emporiums around Srinagar. Carpets
can be bought for Rs200-8000 per
sq foot. Wool is cheaper than silk
and the number of knots per square
(ranging from 200 to 1600)inch
also determine the price. Design
has little influence on price but
the type of wool and silk does. |
Handicrafts |
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Exuisite handicrafts are available
here. Basketry and Walnut wood
furniture which is beautifully
carved, utility articles and
popular mache products, gold and
silver jewellery of traditional
dogri design, elaborated kashmiri
skills,carpets and emboridered
pashmina , shahtoosh shawls are
some of the must buy items . Silk
and wool carpets are specialty of
Kashmir & u can get a big variety
of stone products or stone
jewellery here which is very good
as memmentoes. |
Art and Craft