KASHMIR PAPIER MACHE

CHARACTER:

Traditionally papier mache objects used to be defined on the basis of size or rather the functional useage of the intended object into:

• Masnandi: these used to be small, transportable boxes, which could be carried on person.
• Farshi: in this pattern larger, bulkier objects used to be made which include the boxes that were much preferred by French shawl merchants for storing their shawls.

Formerly papier mache was also employed in interior decoration of ceilings, wall panels and doors. The oldest surviving papier mache work in building interiors can be traced to the 19th Century. These interiors survive both in public buildings like shrines, palaces as well as private residential structures. But due to changing tastes and the high cost involved in such work this work is no longer practiced in today’s contemporary market. As of now papier mache is basically done on:

• Furniture items: Which include tables, chairs, screens .The demand for this type of work has reduced in the market and such items are rarely made these days.
• Gift items: also known as fancy items, they include an ever increasing range of objects like picture frames, shields, Christmas bells, balls, bracelets, knives etc. Many of the items made in this range are produced on the basis of prevailing market demand.
• Semi-Utilitarian Objects: Mostly include associated furniture items like lamp stands, large flower vases and table lamps which continue to be manufactured though on a relatively smaller scale.