Kashmiri papier-mâché: how it is made, and what its motifs mean

Two stages, two masters

Papier-mâché passes through two sets of hands. The sakhtsaz makes the form: paper is soaked, pounded into pulp and shaped over a mould, then dried, smoothed and prepared as a surface.

The naqash then paints it. Designs are drawn freehand and built up layer by layer in fine brushwork, often finished with gold detailing, before a protective lacquer is applied. Some forms, such as certain vases and letter racks, are made in wood and painted in the same tradition.

A glossary of classic designs

Each Kashmiri design has a name, passed down with the craft. Among the most loved:

• Hazaar Posh — 'a thousand flowers', a dense all-over floral field
• Chinar — the leaf of the chinar (oriental plane) tree, symbol of Kashmir
• Gulander Gul — lavish red and white blossoms on a deep ground
• Son Posh — golden florals, often in radial symmetry
• Shirk Posh — intricate florals, frequently in blue and gold
• Darbar — scenes of royal courts, musicians and courtiers from the Mughal era
• Poshkaar — thousands of fine paisley motifs
• Kul — the tree design, with birds among the branches

How to spot genuine hand-painted work

Look closely at the brushwork. Hand painting shows tiny variations between repeated motifs and a slight, raised texture where gold and colour have been layered. Printed transfers and decals repeat identically and sit perfectly flat under the lacquer.

Genuine pieces are also light for their size and warm to the touch, unlike moulded resin.

Caring for papier-mâché

Keep pieces away from water, humidity and direct sunlight. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid chemical cleaners, which can dull the lacquer.

Questions