Pashmina Shawls
Perhaps the most iconic and widely known Kashmiri handicraft in the world, the Pashmina shawl is made of fine wool gathered from the Changthangi goat living at high altitudes in Ladakh and Tibet and known for its softness, warmth, and luxurious look.

The whole hand-weaving process is quite technical, requiring very skilled and patient hands. Traditionally, the elegant embroidery, referred to as “Kashida,” adorns the Pashmina shawls. They can be regarded as symbols of luxury, status, and refinement, adorned by royalty and elites for many centuries.

There are several categories for Pashmina shawls, including a simple plain Pashmina shawl, an embroidered Pashmina shawl, and the rather elaborate Pashmina shawls that feature zari (gold or silver thread). Production can take months; artisans weave individual shawls on handlooms, treading into each aspect with care.

Kashmiri Carpets and Rugs
The intricate designs, superior workmanship, and luxurious feel make Kashmiri carpets world-famous. Hand-knotted from fine wool, silk, or a combination of both, these carpets are based on an art form developed during the Mughal era, with designs often adorning Persian-inspired motifs, floral patterns, and geometric shapes.

It takes a lot of time to make a Kashmiri carpet; sometimes, it takes even months, depending on the size and complexity of the carpet. It is tied by hands, and the colors are made with natural dyes, which make each carpet look vibrant in its own unique way.

Kashmiri carpets are of excellent international value, especially for durability and aesthetic appeal. The designs range from traditional patterns to up-to-date modern styles, making them suitable for all tastes and preferences.

Kashmiri Papier-Mâché
Papier-mâché is also one of the crafts for which Kashmir is famous, dating back to the 15th century. The designs are created intricately on the pulp of paper, later dried, painted, and lacquered, resulting in different items such as boxes, bowls, trays, and even furniture.

Papier-mâché art is highly skillful; artisans first make the base structure of paper pulp. Once the shape has been formed, then it is coated with several layers of colored lacquer, after which the art is painted. The colorful and fine details will make an art piece from Kashmiri look absolutely stunning in its own right.

These pieces often feature floral motifs, birds, and animals, sometimes even scenes from traditional Kashmiri life. Today, the craft is widely in demand both as ornaments and as functional items within houses all over the world.

Wooden Craft and Walnut Wood Carving
Kashmir also boasts of beautiful wooden handicrafts, especially walnut wood carvings. The walnut tree, being indigenous to the region, has been valued for its excellent strength, robustness, and capacity to carry elaborate carvings.

Artisans carve walnut wood into beautifully designed patterns. Commonly, the artisans carve to produce furniture, doors, windows, and other decorative items. The designs feature beautiful florally carved motifs and intricate geometric designs. Some of the items are intricately carved wooden chests, tables, and small key chains and picture frames.

Kashida or Kashmiri Embroidery
Kashida, or Kashmiri embroidery, is the art that was passed down from generation to generation. The Kashmiri form of embroidery decorates fabrics like shawls, suits, and scarves with intricate floral and paisley designs. The embroidery is generally done with fine silk or cotton threads, and the patterns are inspired from nature, especially the flora and fauna of Kashmir.

There are several other forms of Kashmiri embroidery, including:

Sozni: A fine needlework style that involves the use of tiny stitches to create detailed, delicate designs.
Aari: A form of embroidery done with a hooked needle, often used for creating larger designs.
Tilla: Gold or silver thread embroidery, often used for creating luxurious, royal designs.
Kashida is not only a form of artistic expression but also a reflection of Kashmir’s cultural heritage.