Papier Mache is an art of making colorful lacquered-ware from paper pulp. This art was introduced in
Jammu and Kashmir during the medieval period by a Muslim ruler named Zain-ul Abadin. European travelers spread this craft to the outside world.
Papier-mache features images of leaves made by gold or silver. Some works include designs painted on gold background. These designs exhibit considerable skill and accuracy. The scheme usually includes flowers and birds. Some work also includes images of tree and the ‘chinnar’ leaf, which are often found in fabrics. Works of later periods included rose and apple flowers. The earlier motifs with the later additions formed the famous ‘gule-vilayat’ design. Another design scheme called ‘hazara’ included all the motifs used in the papier-mache work.
Initially papier-mache was used in the making of ‘Kalamdan,’ a long horizontal case used for holding pens, brushes and inkpots. The art of making this pen case was known as ‘Kar-i-kalamdani’. Papier Mache was later on utilized for making bedsteads, doors, window frames and panels for walls and ceilings. The repertoire was later extended to boxes, vases and water containers meant for export to European nations.
Today, papier-mache is used in the making of cheap items like picture frames, trays and candlestick instead of the traditional items.
