Kashmir Papier Mache Artisans Make Unique Christmas Decorations For The World, Fear Global Wars May Cut Demand

The intricate art involves the use of paper pulp to create decorative items, including baubles, stars, wall hangings, and Easter eggs.

Srinagar:With Christmas just days away, Syed Javaid Iqbal, a Papier Machie master craftsman from Srinagar, is busy dispatching his final batch of customized decorative items for the festival to international markets.

In his gallery, Christmas decorative items, including bells, crescents, balls, and Santa miniatures, are being carefully packed to be sent to markets across the world.

"We have been making Christmas items for years now. Earlier, only balls and bells were made of Papier Machie, but now several new products have been added to the list as per customer demand," Javaid told ETV Bharat.

Papier Machie in Kashmir is a renowned traditional art form that was introduced in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah). The intricate art involves the use of paper pulp to create decorative items, including baubles, stars, wall hangings, and Easter eggs.

While the craft is rooted in Persian tradition and not originally linked to Christmas, its demand grew significantly after 1977 due to rising international interest in festive ornaments. These creations, treasured for their detail and craftsmanship, have earned global recognition.

According to Javaid, the customized Christmas items are exported to the United States, Canada, and several European countries, besides Indian markets. "Now, the products are also being exported to Middle Eastern countries. Most of the orders come from the US," he said

Claiming that the demand for Kashmir-made Christmas items is increasing every year, he noted, "The profit is less because of the low value of our currency. The Ukraine war adversely affected some orders, but the impact was negligible."

"We start receiving orders in February and March, and then we plan accordingly. Big stores across the globe place bulk orders early in the year, while small stores follow suit based on their demand. We begin dispatching orders in August. I have one batch left for Indian markets, which will also be dispatched within two days. The price range is humble—a Christmas ball costs between Rs 50 and Rs 500, depending on its intricate design," he added.

Like Javaid, another master craftsman, Ghulam Ali, is also busy fulfilling his orders. "It takes us around two to two and a half hours to make a Christmas ball. Festivals bring hope for us because we know this is the time when our items will be exported, giving us an opportunity to earn. We start giving final touches to the products a month before dispatch," he told ETV Bharat.

"Our business depends on both artisans and buyers. More demand means more work and income. For that, this art form must survive. As craftsmen, we are trying to keep Kashmir's artistic identity alive, but more needs to be done," he said.

Mir Amir Hussain, another Papier Mache artisan from Srinagar, however, claims the demand for such products is not as high as it used to be. “Conflicts began in Israel and Palestine, then spread to Lebanon, Syria, and even Russia-Ukraine. Our job is to sell, but if orders do not come from those regions, we are helpless," he said.

Hussain believes that greater marketing efforts, especially by the government, are necessary to revive global interest in Kashmiri papier mache.

"Instead of spending directly on artisans, it is better to create a stronger marketing field,” Hussain said. “If we are selling in 10 countries now, expanding to 20 countries will double the demand. This is Kashmir’s own craft; you won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world," he said.

“The government should advertise and create websites to promote this craft year-round,” says Sayed Abdul Ali, an exporter. “WCC (World Crafts Council) recognised Kashmir as a Crafts City, and that brought buyers here directly. Participating in international trade fairs could further boost visibility and demand," he added. (With agency inputs)

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