Art & Handicrafts in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts is a combination of vibrant hand-made articles that have become a cultural identity for the state. Having an exclusive mastery over the special items like the carpets, baskets, wall hangings and others, the handicrafts industry of Jammu & Kashmir is a flourishing sector which employs quite a lot of the tribal as well as general folks of the valley.

The art of papier mache is an age-old form of handicrafts in Jammu & Kashmir. The basic ingredients of papier mache includes adhesive, paints and paper. Bronze and gold colors are commonly found on the various articles that are made through this art. While the original gold painted items are quite expensive, there are numerous low-cost replicas too that are available in the local markets of Jammu & Kashmir.

Carpets forms a major part of the handicrafts sector of the state. Woven with wool or silk yarns, these knotted carpets reflects the creative exuberance of Persian craftsmen who first brought the art form to the valley.

On the white cotton textures crewel embroidery spells its magic well. This handicraft of Jammu & Kashmir is frequently seen in the beautiful wall hangings of different sizes and shapes. Basketry is another unique handicraft type of the state of Jammu & Kashmir which mostly uses the skin of willow trees that are found in abundance in the valley.

Namdas which is yet another interesting version of the carpet handicraft industry of Jammu & Kashmir state is stitched with both cotton and wool yarns. The fascinating designs of the namdas are made through chain stitching techniques.

Last but not the least, the Pashmina shawls of Jammu & Kashmir have a huge demand in both the national and international markets due to their vibrant motifs and outstanding stitching variations.

Silks and tweeks, pherans, walnut wood and copper and silverware are some other manifestations of the handicrafts of the valley.

Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts is real symbol of the marvelous creative industry of the state which has been manned some of the highly-dedicated and expert craftsmen.

Banjara Needle work

Banjara Needle work is a local tribal craft practised by the 'Banjaras' (tribals) of Telangana Region. It has a style of its own, the originality and brightness are accentuated by its matchless quality. Needlework is an integral part of this craft and patterns are basic geometric combinations, squares, triangles and diamonds. The distinctive feature of their work is the extensive use of mirrors. A rich appearance is created by filling the background with simple chain stitch, herringbone, long and short stitch. Typical items include cushion covers, bags, skirts, 'kurtas', dress sets for girls and women, blouse pieces, bedspreads and other household furnishings.

Bidriware

Bidri is a metal craft of Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from Bidar, the hometown of this exquisite craft and the basic material used is alloy of zinc, oxidized and intricately inlaid with silver. It is an art of inlaying silver on black metal. Typical Bidri items include plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket boxes, huqqa bases, jewellery etc. Glass and studded bangles of Bidri are a favourite with women. Behind the breathtaking beauty of Bidri, lies hours of meticulous effort by the artisans. There are four main stages in the manufacture of Bidri. They are casting, engraving, inlaying and oxidising.

Budithi

One of the less talked about and yet a very special handicraft is Budithi. It is practiced in Budithi village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, famous for creating beautiful shapes out of alloys. Strikingly novel shapes ranging from the charmingly traditional to the elegantly modern, with slender necks and exquisite body shapes and elegant charm are the highlights of Budithi art. The art form expresses itself as traditional cooking utensils and also in forms that suit contemporary needs - like flowerpots and planters. Usually made of brass, the objects have patterns that are geometric, with straight lines and curves forming simple and striking presentations. Floral patterns abound too.

Bronze castings

Another art of Andhra Pradesh, the bronze castings are a paragon of excellence in sculpture. This art gives a touch of life to the icons by replicating the exact shapes of human organs. The artists seem to derive a genuine inspiration from nature in molding the metal into icons. The dazzling bronze adds to the grace of the castings. The common metal bronze is transformed into beautiful masterpieces of art by the artisans of Andhra Pradesh. Idols of Gods and Goddesses are molded to perfection, as they are modeled on the instructions from 'Shilpashastra', which specified certain guidelines on physical measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics, symbolism and above all aesthetics.