Specification :

The craft of paper mache is a unique craft that developed during the Mughal era and is still being practiced by a large number of artisans. During the time of the Mughals, paper mache was used to make utilitarian items like boxes, bowls and the surface of these items were painted in the traditional miniature style.

The process of making paper mache items involves use of waste paper and the creative inputs of the craftsmen. The process of making paper mache begins with soaking of paper in water. This is done to degenerate paper. The degenerated material is then pounded to pulp, mixed with adhesive solution or starch and shaped over wooden moulds. Each successive layer of this material is applied to get the required thickness. Finally it is allowed to dry and set before it is decorated with paint and varnished. Smooth paper-mache items are created if the pulp is pounded properly or else the finished product is rough.

The designs and decorations of the Kashmir paper mache usually in the form of flowers and birds have a strong Persian flavour. Among other rich designs are ' ' ' ' Arabesque' ' ' ' done in gold against a brown or red ground to show sprays of rose blossoms in fine lines and ' ' ' ' yarkand' ' ' ' an elaborate design build up in spirals with gold rosettes radiating from various centers and white flowers laid over gold scroll work. Some items like bowls and vases are lined with brass, while, as special orders, boxes and other items are ornamented with gold and silver leaves and depict beautiful landscapes and objects like a houseboat, that form an inseparable part of kashmiri lifestyle. Some other important designs and motifs in paper mache items are Gulander Gul ( flower in flower) , Hazara ( the thousand flowers) , Gul Vilayat ( the dear flower) , miniature mughal paints, mythological figures, animal hunting scenes, battle scenes and more.

Our range of decorative paper mache items includes paper mache photo frames, paper mache bangle and paper mache eggs