Apty Crafty Zaina Kadal, Jammu & Kashmir

Paper mache was introduced to India in the 14th century by the Persian mystic Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. He was visiting the Kashmir region from Persia, and brought along skilled artisans and craftsmen. The Persian method of making paper mache melded with similar art forms from Central Asia, and a unique branch of the art of paper mache was born. Over time, Kashmiri artisans added their own flourishes to the art form, bringing attention to their creations from all around the world. There are two important aspects of Kashmiri paper mache- Sakhtsazi and Naqashi. The first step, Sakhtsazi, involves making the foundation of the paper mache figurine or object with the paper pulp, while Naqashi is the final step of painting and decoration. Kashmiri paper mache items are individually created, and each one tells its own special story. This ancient art continues to the present day, taking on new methods and ideas, but intrinsically staying true to its foundations brought to Kashmir by Mir Syed Ali Hamdani.