SRINAGAR: Christmas approaches, and in the Kashmir Valley, artisans embark on preparations months in advance for the festive season. The ancient art of Papier Machie decorations from this region experiences significant demand during this time. Orders are not limited to India; the international demand adds to the festive joy among the paper mâché artisans.
With the delicate craft of Papier Machie, artists across Kashmir transform simple sheets into exquisite moulds, bringing to life a tapestry of colours and intricate designs that radiate joy throughout the season.
Every spring, paper mache artists in Kashmir receive orders from Western and European countries for Christmas decorations, highlighting the global appeal of their craftsmanship. This annual ritual sees skilled artisans creating designs that transcend borders, bringing a touch of Kashmiri artistry to homes around the world.
“For nearly 25 years, I’ve been fulfilling paper maché orders from various corners of the globe, primarily Western and European countries with predominantly Catholic communities. These customers often seek personalized gifts and decorative pieces, adding a unique touch to their Christmas celebrations,” said Syed Amjad Mosvi, a famous Papier Machie artist from Zadibal Srinagar while stroking the paint brush on one of the moulds.
The artists’ responsibilities encompass the creation of diverse items such as balls, stars, crosses, and Santa Claus figures, alongside other decorative pieces. This intricate process unfolds over an extended period, involving initial stages like letting the paper settle for days, ensuring proper texture. Subsequent steps include moulding, detailed designing, and concluding with meticulous varnishing—a meticulous, time-consuming craft that underscores the dedication of these artists.
“I’ve had orders for around 5 to 6 lakh paper maché pieces for Christmas. Some were customized with designs requested by the customers. It’s a big job, but it shows the demand for personalized festival decorations.” expressed Amjad.
Paper maché artists enlist hundreds of workers to craft Christmas pieces. Each phase, including making paper moulds and design work, requires a distinct set of hands. This team-based approach ensures a smooth workflow, with specialized workers contributing their skills at various stages of the production process.
According to Amjad, every piece he crafted has found buyers in multiple countries. In anticipation of Christmas celebrations within the Christian community in Kashmir, he has curated an additional stock that will be made available for local sales.
Regrettably, only a handful of families continue the tradition of paper mâché making.
Amjad expresses concern that this unique art is on the brink of fading away, attributing it to the younger generation’s disinterest in dedicating hours to craft one product. The allure of quick and digital alternatives weighs heavily on his eyes as he reflects on the potential decline of this cherished craft.
