Kashmiri Papier Mache Lacquer Craft Srinagar Kashmir

Kashmiri papier mache (kari) is a GI-tagged lacquer and paper pulp craft of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, producing decorative boxes, vases, trays, and ornaments in a technique introduced to Kashmir from Persia in the 15th century by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani who brought craftsmen from Samarkand. The craft involves moulding waste paper pulp over clay or plaster forms, drying, removing the mould, and then applying multiple layers of lacquer, natural pigments, and fine detail painting in the floral, bird, and arabesque vocabulary of Kashmiri art. Two types of Kashmiri papier mache exist: naqashi (detailed hand-painting) for high-value pieces, and zalakdozi (gilded lacquer with raised patterns) for decorative borders and background. The painters — Naqash community artisans of the old city of Srinagar — use squirrel-hair brushes and natural mineral pigments for the finest quality painting. A single large decorative box with full naqashi painting can take 30 to 45 days of skilled work. Kashmiri papier mache has national and international retail market through Kashmiri handicraft stores and export houses. Over 100,000 artisans are engaged in Srinagar's papier mache and lacquerware cluster. GI protection ensures authenticity marking against mass-produced imitations from outside Kashmir.