|
| Products :: Paper Mache Items |
India is known for its art. Different parts of the country are famous
for different handicrafts. Just as Agra is famous for its marble products,
Kashmir is known for its craftsmanship with Papier Machie. The art
of papier machie was introduced in Kashmir in the 15th century by
a Kashmiri Prince who spent years in prison. Just like the art of
carving handicraft items out of marble, the art of papier machie is
also heavily influenced by Mughal and Persian flavors. The basic papier
machie product is made of paper which has first been soaked and disintegrated
into water and then pounded and mixed with adhesive to make into a
mould. The mould is then painted and polished in successive layers
until the final intricate design is produced.
The craft of papier machie has been alive for centuries. Though the
traditional expression of papier machie was to create exquisite articles
like vases and figurines, now the range and style of papier machie
products is enormous. The designs and decorations of the Kashmiri
Papier Mache, usually in the form of flowers and birds, have a strong
Persian flavor. Today, the craftsmen use these traditional designs
as well as their own imagination to make exquisite products. Intricately
designed papier mache jewelry boxes, papier machie coasters, papier
machie letter holders, papier machie pen holders and papier machie
trays done in bright and ethnic colors like peacock blue, dark green,
brown etc add life to these beautiful gift items. All designs are
meticulously hand-crafted. Many are one of a kind utilizing vintage
color schemes, designs and patterns. The famous Kashmiri chinar (maple)
leaf is painted in exotic colors on many of the papier mache items.
The Papier Mache objects produced in Kashmir today vary from Christmas
ornaments like bells and balls to coasters and include jewelry and
keepsake boxes of every imaginable size and shape. Colorful yet light
and tasteful papier machie boxes adorn bed stands, coffee tables,
and office desks. Papier machie gifts like letter holders, with matching
pen holders make beautiful desk accessories. Colorful papier machi
trays with complementing papier machie coaster sets and napkin rings
available in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns add excellent finishing
touches to any dinner layout. These lovingly handcrafted papier machie
trays are ideal for serving food and drinks or to adorn your showcase
or the special place above your mantle. Papier machie objects are
not only beautifully decorated, but are surprisingly light and strong.
Their coating of lacquer protects them from water and gives them extra
durability. Papier machie products are becoming the gift of choice
for housewarming parties. |
|
|