Kashmiri papier mache
A perishing art
Papier Mache is a French word meaning "chewed paper". The art of Papier Mache involves molding raw paper pulp into aesthetically pleasing objects. The valley of Kashmir is known for Papier mache. Unlike today, during earlier times one could witness the articles being sold at every nook and corner of the city. Unfortunately, the art is now vanishing from Kashmir.
This
art form is primarily based on paper pulp, and is a richly decorated, colorful
artifact; generally in the form of vases, bowls or cups, bases of lamps and
many other small objects. These are generally made in homes or workshops, in
Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.
In
Kashmir Papier Mache originated in the form of making pen cases from paper pulp
(Base). The qalamdans (pen cases) were in turn covered with floral or geometric
patterns and finished with a coat of Rogan (Varnish). For this reason that the
craft was initially referred as Kariqalamdan (the art of making pen cases).The
art involves two processes: Sakhtasaazi (making of base product) and Naqashi
(Painting) giving decorative touch, painting by fine hands for intricate
designs done over it.
Papier Mache has contributed a lot to the
economy of Kashmir, but unfortunately this craft is becoming a part time
activity. With new technologies and manufacturing techniques, the art of Papier
Mache is slowly dying. The economic viability of the art has taken a hit due to
machine carving and artisans preferring other jobs.
The
end products generally have a higher cost because more time is involved to get
the work. Lower quality, cheaper machine products have given a tough challenge
to the sector, with artisans struggling to keep the sector going. People often
prefer to buy the machine made products due to their lower prices. These are
the bottlenecks leading to the dwindling of art from Kashmiri culture.
Beenish Fayaz
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