I first found, and fell in love with these baubles in Kashmir, when I was on a trip to India several years ago. I bought several and wanted more.
The power of instagram! I reached out to a village in Kashmir and 6 weeks later I had my first shipment. I am pleased the money has gone directly to the artists.
Just the patience to hand paint and then seal their work all on a paper mache base. These are exceptional quality from the ones I bought.
I hope you love them as much as I do, and enjoy them daily. I would love to support the artists with another order.
The Unique Art - Paper Mache
The craft recycles waste paper into beautiful artefacts painted by expert craftsmen. The wonderfully vibrant hand-painted motifs on the different types of items look illuminated as a result of the shiny varnish finish. Paper Mache (also spelt Paper Mache, Paper Mache) has a long and rich tradition in different parts of the world, it is a delicate decorative art which shows the artistic zeal of a craftsman.
Motifs are most commonly nature oriented such as birds singing or flowers bursting forth in full bloom. Paper Mache products include home decor (such as letter holders, coaster sets, napkin rings etc.) decorative items (including picture frames, candy bowls, tree ornaments etc.) and apparel (bangles).
History
This art was introduced in Kashmir in the 15th Century by a Kashmiri Prince who was imprisoned in Samarkand (Central Asia), where the art form captured his interest. Upon returning to Kashmir, he brought many experts from Central Asia to establish this art form in the Valley. The art born in the land of Persia was raised in Kashmir to new heights, especially during the Mughal rule during the 15th and 16th centuries. The highly favoured Paper Mache, prior to this time paper mache was mainly used for making pen boxes but during the Mughal rule, it was expanded for use in numerous other items.
Process
The process for making paper mache is relatively simple but takes quite a bit of time and labour. There are two main steps in the process of creating paper mache items. The first is the sakhtsazi, or the actual production of the item. The second is the naqashi, when the item is painted with any number of motifs.
The traditional method of making Paper mache starts with waste paper which is soaked in water for several days until it disintegrates. The excess water is drained and the soaked waste paper, cloth, rice straw and bonding agents are mixed to form a pulp. This mixture is placed in a mould and left to dry for two to three days. On the drying of pulp, the shape is cut away from the mould in two halves and then glued again. The surface is coated with the layer of glue and gypsum, rubbed smooth with a stone or baked piece of clay and pasted with layers of tissue paper. The base colour is painted on, and now the item is ready for the artist to grace it with his design.
The design is painted on freehand. Often the painting is done in relief, with certain pieces of the design subtly raised. This gives a quality of dimensionality to design which adds to the beauty of the final product. The paint used may have a metallic quality which adds to the illuminated feel. After the design is complete the final step is adding a layer or more of varnish to give the item its characteristic shine.
Product Description
Hand Made Gorgeousness - not just for Christmas.
Dimensions 23cm circumference
Composition Paper Mache'
Colour Assorted