By Tabia Masoodi
Kashmir has many jewels that adorn its beauty and make everyone admire its charm. While its natural beauty has earned it the title of paradise on earth, its artistic and cultural heritage are equally celebrated. Every aspect of Kashmir has an artistic signature, and its architecture is no exception. Kashmir’s architecture is praised for its intricate designs, a unique blend of architectural styles, and renowned craftsmanship.
HISTORICITY OF THE CRAFT
One of the finest artistic expressions found in Kashmir’s architecture is the iconic craft of Paper mache. The craft’s origin traces back to China, where it was first used during the Han Dynasty to make helmets. It spread from China to Japan and Persia, where it became popular for making masks and ceremonial items.
Introduced to Kashmir in the 14th century by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, also known as Shah- i-Hamdan, a Persian saint, who came to Kashmir to spread the message of Islam along with his 700 disciples skilled in Central Asian arts and crafts including paper machie became an integral part of Kashmir’s heritage. Artisans used hand-made paper pulp sourced from Iran and Central Asia to create intricate decorative objects. With Kashmiris picking up this technique quickly, it became well-known and an integral aspect of Kashmiri culture. The art form changed over time, and regional craftspeople modified these methods to fit their unique cultural themes and aesthetics. The craft flourished even more during different rules and
gained more popularity over time. Many artists from Central Asia arrived in the valley to enhance the quality and variety of papier-mache products in Kashmir.
Initially, it was used to create decorative objects like pen cases, boxes, and trays using hand- made paper pulp which is why it was locally known as Kar-i-qalamdan(pen-case work). In the reign of the eighth sultan of Kashmir Zain-ul-Abidin, in the 15th century, papier mache evolved from ornamental objects to architectural accents. With the growing recognition and in-depth knowledge of this craftsmanship, papier mache was used in significant structures such as in mosques like Shah-i-Hamdan Shrine, Ael masjid, and Madin masjid. Zain ul Abidin, after returning from his captivity in Samarkand, invited skilled artisans to settle in the valley. It was during his reign that Kashmir's first paper industry was established and it
marked a turning point that led to paper mache becoming integral to Kashmiri handicrafts. Artisans at that time started making high-quality paper (khosur kagaz) that was used for manuscripts and decorative purposes. Moreover, during this period, calligraphy into papier- mache designs was introduced, blending artistic expression with literary traditions.
The art flourished more and more during the Mughal era as the beauty of the art form captivated many Mughal emperors and they incorporated its intricate artistry into furniture and architectural elements such as the royal pavilion in Shalimar Garden. The artworks were rendered on wood with the same level of skill as those on paper. According to Bernier, the interior of the black marble summerhouse located in Kashmir’s Shalimar garden was entirely painted and gilded. He also notes that a majority of Mughal furniture, such as beds, palanquins, elephant howdahs, tent poles, and the thrones used by the emperor in the field, was treated with similar painting and gilding techniques. During this time, Kashmiri papier- mache gained international acclaim as it began catering to European markets (Maliyar, 2021).
ARTISTIC TECHNIQUE
The craft of Kashmiri papier-mâché involves two main phases: Sakhtasazi and Naqashi. In the first phase, the Sakhtasaz artist creates the base structure using paper pulp that has been soaked, softened, and moulded into the desired shapes. Once the base has dried, naqashi artists proceed to decorate it. They paint intricate floral patterns and cultural motifs onto the surface, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir (Wani, 2024). Papier mache is also called as Kari munaqqash(painted work).
Common motifs include floral designs such as gul-andar-gul (flower in flower) and gul-i- Hazara (thousand flowers), as well as Chinar Sarav (leaves of chinar and cypress trees) and the paisley design known as Badam Tarah. Additionally, naqashi features arabesques, which are rhythmic creations of intricate geometric designs, entwined tendrils, and delicate curvilinear patterns. Artists often depict birds sitting on branches, highlighting the serene
landscape of Kashmir.
A significant element of this craft is the use of Islamic calligraphy, which features verses from the Quran and other Islamic texts. This calligraphy is commonly found on book covers and adorns the architecture of various shrines and mosques throughout Kashmir.
Architectural Applications
As a beautiful art form and a form of cultural expression, Kashmiri papier-mâché has been deeply ingrained in the region's architecture. Kashmir's creative inventiveness and ability to blend Persian inspirations with regional customs are evident in these applications. This art
form has been applied to ceilings, walls, pillars, brackets, and other architectural components, creating an aesthetic that blends functionality with intricate artistry.
Papier-mache ceilings with elaborate designs are a common feature in Kashmiri mosques. Both structurally and aesthetically, the ceilings add a striking focal point to these areas and heighten their spiritual ambience. The region's rich artistic legacy is showcased by the exquisite integration of papier mache into Kashmiri mosque construction. Quranic calligraphy, geometric designs, and floral themes frequently adorn the ceilings, reflecting both Islamic creativity and local culture.
Wall papier-mache symbolises the centuries-long combination of art and architecture that has enhanced Kashmir's cultural legacy. This technique transforms commonplace walls into brilliant manifestations of Kashmiri identity, as seen in religious settings such as Khanqah-e- Moula Shrine and royal palaces covered with Mughal motifs.
The Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque in Srinagar is one of the most well-known instances of papier- machie. Constructed in 1395 by Sultan Sikander in honour of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, its ceilings include bright floral designs and intricately painted Quranic texts. The architecture of the shrine blends Persian, Central Asian and Kashmiri architectural styles. This craftsmanship represents the confluence of creativity and sensibility. These intricate designs are inspired by Kashmiri flora and Kani shawl patterns as well as Islamic calligraphy. The papier mache works on the ceilings of this mosque reflect the perfect blend of Persian and Central Asian influence. The elaborate patterns not only enhance the area's aesthetic appeal but also use
symbolism to tell spiritual stories. The walls and ceilings of this shrine are known for magnificent interiors. The designs include katamband ceilings and floral motifs.
The intricate floral and geometric patterns on the walls and ceilings reflect the rich natural environment of Kashmir. The colour scheme used in the papier mache of this shrine symbolises peace and prosperity. Moreover, detailed gold and silver leaf paintings of Arabic and Persian inscriptions, include Quranic verses and couplets dedicated to Shah-e-Hamdan. This gives the area a spiritual dimension in addition to improving its visual appeal.
The Shahi-Hamdan mosque is the most cited and stunning example of the architectural marvel of Papier Mache. The Madin Sahib Mosque is the first place in Kashmir where papier mache was integrated into the architecture. The Mosque was built in 1444 in Srinagar. The ceilings of this mosque are decorated with intricate geometric and floral papier-mâché motifs. Even after decades, the colours continue to remain vibrant simply because of the use of natural pigments.
The Mosque is a precursor of the more elaborate design used in Shah-i-Hamdan Mosques, Ael Masjid, Makhdoom Sahab Shrine and royal Mughal pavilions like that of Shalimar Garden.
Kashmiri papier-mâché is not just a decorative craft, but something firmly rooted in the economic, religious, and cultural fabric of the society. The art form flourished as an essential representation of Kashmiri heritage that merges Islamic tradition with traditional craft practice. The craft is more than beauty for people; it has become a means of cultural preservation, religious expression, and financial survival. The craft functions beyond beauty
and offers financial sustenance, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Papier-mâché serves as a powerful vehicle for the preservation of Kashmiri identity. It contains centuries of tradition passed down from one generation to the next, demonstrating a connection to a Kashmiri past that continues today against all odds. The motifs that are demonstrated in papier-mâché reveal the syncretic nature of Kashmir.
References
Maliyar, Bashir Ahmad. “A History of Papier Mache Craft in Kashmir.” International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR) ISSN:2581- 4281, vol. 4, no. 6, 2021, p. 43. IJAMSR, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/BashirMaliyar/publication/381994612_A_History_of_Papier_Mache_Craft_in_Kashmir/links/6686e0c2f3b61c4e2cad4d37/A-History-of-Papier-Mache-Craft-in-Kashmir.pdf.
Varghese, Shiny. “Did you know papier-mâché could be used on walls and ceilings?” The Indian Express, 14 October 2022, https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/papier-mache-used-on-walls-ceilings-artworks-8208818/.
Wani, Sadaf Nazair. “Kashmir's Papier Mache Craft: An Archive of its People and Their History.” Sahapedia, 2024, https://www.sahapedia.org/kashmirs-papier-mache-craft-archive-its-people-and-their-history. Accessed 22 03 2025.
Yousuf, Ambreen. “Kashmiri papier-mache: Its story, how it's crafted and more.” Daily Sabah, 14 Dec 2021, https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/kashmiri-papier-mache-its-story-how-its-crafted-and-more/news.
Sheikh, A.R., 2018. Papier Mache: A Delicate Art of Kashmir. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 8(11), pp.321-330. ISSN: 2249-2496. Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/AzadShiekh/publication/368335338_Papier_Mache_A_Delicate_art_of_Kashmir/links/63e3228cc002331f725ff69a/Papier-Mache-A-Delicate-art-of-Kashmir.pdf
