Kashmiri Items on the hit list of Shoppers from all over the World.
CARPETS
Carpet weaving is one of most important crafts in Kashmir. Kashmiri carpets are known allover the world for their design and weave. Handmade kashmiri carpets are either of silk or wool. Price of a carpet is determined by its knots. More knots per square inch more costly and durable the carpet would be. Both single and double knotted carpets are in high demand in india and abroad especially in Europe.
SHAWLS
About Kashmir Shawls it is said “Of all Indian textiles none excels in beauty, colour, texture and design as the famous Kashmir Shawl”.
Shawls are produced by two techniques, loom woven or kani shawls and the needle embroidered or sozni shawls.
The basic fabric is of the three types – Shah Tush, Pashmina and Raffal. Shah Tush (King of wool) passes through a ring and is also known as Ring shawl. It comes from a rare Tibetan antelope living at a height of over 14000 ft in the wilds of the Himalayas. Pashmina is known world over as cashmere wool, it comes from a special goat (Capra hircus) living at an altitude of 12000 to 14000 ft reared by shephered nomads around famous pongkong lake in close vicinity of western Tibet. Raffal is spun out of marino wool tops and is a popular type of shawl.
The shawls are embroidered in floral motifs, various designs available range from Neemdoor, Doordaar, Paladaar, Baildaar, Jaalis and Jammas, with the help of needle. Where as kani shawls are woven on looms with the help of kanis. Kanis are small eyeless bobbins used instead of the shuttle.
TILLA PRODUCTS
Tilla Embroidery is one of the most celebrated Kashmiri handicrafts. It is done on women garments to give a royal look.
It is done with help of silver or gold threads. Tilla designs are done on lower neck, cuffs and lower border of the garment
Earlier tilla work was done only on pherans now its done on various garments like suits, shawls and sarees.
It takes almost a month to complete Tilla Embroidery on one pheran. Although machine done tilla work fabrics are also available in the market which cost 4 times less as compared to hand done tilla works but the elegance of handmade tilla is matchless and never goes out of style.
DRYFRUITS
Srinagar is also famous for its dry fruits and spices. Different kinds of walnuts like kagzi walnuts, wont walnuts, burzil walnuts, and spices like saffron, shah zira and honey are some of the specialties of Srinagar. Besides Spain, Pampore in Srinagar, is the only place in the world where saffron is cultivated. The crocus Sativus that blooms for a brief month in the year, has six golden stamens and one crimson one. It is the crimson Stamen which when collected and dried, is referred to as the most expensive spice in the world. However, be wary of the fraudulent Saffron, that too is, available in the markets. Though sealed jars with the government’s stamp approval is available, if you are buying the loose saffron, then sampling one strand is enough, for its delectable aroma is unequivocal. Kashmir is also a hub for walnuts, honey and Almonds
SAFFRON
Kashmiri saffron is recognisable by its dark maroon-purple hue; it is among the world’s darkest, which hints at strong flavour, aroma, and colouring effect. Saffron’s aroma is often described by connoisseurs as reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes while its taste has also been noted as hay-like and sweet. Saffron also contributes a luminous yellow-orange colouring to foods. Saffron is widely used in Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines. Confectioneries and liquors also often include saffron. It is also used in cooking in many cuisines
BATS
Kahmir is known for manufacturing of good quality cricket bats. There are various bat factories mainly on Srinagar Anantnag highway offering the customers a wide range of quality bats. Kashmir willow is widely used in cricket bats and Kashmir is a leading exporter after the UK.
KASHMIRI WOODEN HANDICRAFTS
Decorative handicraft items are integral parts of luxurious homes. As demand of Kashmiri wooden handcrafts increased the makings too underwent thorough revamp. Common handicrafts like fruit bowls to double sided screen, vases and several paper made decorative materials are appealing. The Kashmiri wooden handcrafts have literally redefined furnishing home options. Beautifully carved doorframes, lintels, brackets and balconies express the gracefulness. Designer wooden utensils such as water pitchers and bowls that are designed from walnut wood seethe everybody. Professional joiners use rare woods from devdar to bran woods to design the Kashmiri wooden handcrafts whose popularity is manifold.
