Srinagar, April 16: Srinagar Craft Safari’s latest edition has opened fresh vistas of learning and appreciation for some of Kashmir’s most intricate arts and crafts crafted in the obscure lanes and by-lanes of Srinagar city. The Sunday Safari has taken visitors through the neighborhood of Khanqah of Shah-e-Hamdan, one of Kashmir’s most revered Sufi saints, who is credited of introducing a wealth of arts and crafts to Kashmir.
Handicrafts are the integral parts of life in the downtown area of Srinagar city. Famous for the beauty and craftsmanship, the Khanqah area offers a prominent collection of arts and crafts both decorative and utilitarian. Be it Zari, Sozni, Dyeing, Silver Ware or Copperware each handicraft emanates a charm and originality of its own.
The magic of indigenously-made soap for Namda Work
Overlooking the serene banks of river Jhelum, the officers from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, intellectuals, academic scholars, journalists, tour operators, students and people from art loving fields started today’s safari from the architectural marvel – Khanqah – which stands as a living example of fine woodwork designed with Paper Machie and Khatamband ceiling.The safari commenced with words of appreciation of the efforts of Abdul Rashid – a 60-year old soap maker -who sustains the languishing craft of namdha saazi and indigenously makes the soap, which gives life to the famous Kashmiri Namda from last thirty years.
Kashmiri Copperware
Kashmiri Copperware – locally known as kandkari – has been an indispensable commodity in Kashmir since ages. The age-old art of crafting copperware was witnessed at the unit of Mohammad Aslam Bhat who runs the unit of innovative copper products at his unit named Vanposh – which has earned its own name all over the world. The craftsmanship was appreciated by the visitors for its intrinsic work of engraving.
Zari work – new fashion trend among youngsters
With Zari thread of silver wound around his neck Mohammad Shafi Mir narrated to the team how he learned the Zari craft ever since the age of 6. Rashid owes increased demand in Tiila (Zari) embroidery in the past few years as the craft has turned to be a fashion statement among the youngsters.
In his 122-year-old dyeing karkhana the team met Bashir Ahmad who explained the process which involves the mixing and producing of the specific colours needed for the dye, the soaking of fabric in boiling, coloured water and then drying the coloured threads. The dyeing industry is boosted by the Valley’s handicraft industry, as the colourful threads are used in designing of products like woollen shawls, carpets and Pashmina products
The traditional silverware with intricate artwork has always found a great favour in the international market along with its increasing popularity in the domestic market.The artwork on silver item covers a wide range of silver items. Popular among them are Quran cases, dry fruit boxes, flower vases, chinars, ornamental picture-frames, cigarette cases, tumblers and others. For years these are being used and liked by Kashmiri people.The intrinsic items of silverware were cherished by all at the Karkhan of Mr. Farooq Ahmad who is the lone artisan in the valley to create purely antiquated silverware and German Silver.
The craft safari next visited the 100-year-old business of dyes and threads presently owned by Mr. Yamin. The unit is a single window establishment for all patterns and types of threads viz.; silk, wool, viscose and dyes used for staple, willow wicker, silk carpets and wool. Creating the perfect colour gradient and shades for distinct crafts gives the unit its uniqueness.
The safari concluded at the AaliKadalGhat, a hub of craft richness and skill preserved by the master craftsmen for centuries.People associated with the craft believe that it is the waters of Jhelum which give the dreamlike texture of Kashmir Pashmina and infuses life into the dyed Pashmina of myriad colours.
The kaleidoscopic dance of the hanging pashmina bid bye to the team on the conclusion of craft safari’s 7th edition.
