About
The craft of Kashmir Papier Mache refers, in practise, to the technique of surface decoration rather than the creation of the body of the object. Brought to India by the Muslims saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Persia in the 14th century, this fine craft requires infinite patience and mastery over the art. Depictions of flora and fauna along with geometrical patterns are common - the natural history of Kashmir is frequently depicted as can be seen with the prolific use of the Chinar leaf and tree. Well known patterns include Hazara (thousand flowers), Gul ander Gul (flower within flower), Badam Tarah (mango shaped almond motif) and the elaborate Yarkand built in spirals with gold roseattas radiating from various centres.