Kashmiri handicrafts are prized everywhere for their exquisite craftsmanship. Kashmir carpets, in both wool and silk with their Persian design, are a lifetime investment and the shoppers’ selection range from the simple to the most extraordinarily intricate patterns handed down the generations.

Then there are papier-mâché items ranging from jewellery boxes to mirror frames, a range of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes, beautiful woollen shawls, crewel embroidery on furnishing material sold by the meter and more.

 

Shawls

There are three fibres from which Kashmiri shawls are made-wool, pashmina and shahtoosh.

 

Carpets

A carpet may well be the most expensive purchase from your trip to Kashmir but it is a lifelong investment.

 

Wood Carving

Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows.

 

 

Silk

Kashmir has a wide range of varities in silk textile designs. 'Chinon' and 'Crepe de chine' are some of the fine qualities produced from the silk yarn.

 

Copper & Silverware

The old city abounds with shops where objects of copper line the walls, the floor and even the ceiling, made generally for the local market.

 

Papier Mache

At first glance, all papièr mâchè objects look roughly the same, but there is a price differential which depends on the quality of the product.

 

 

Basketry

Willow rushes that grow plentifully in marshes and lakes in Kashmir are used to make charmingly quaint objects.

 

Dry Fruits

Dry fruits like walnuts, almonds and spices like saffron, shah zira and honey are some of the specialties of Srinagar.

 

Pherans

Phiran is a commonly worn garment which is usually made of wool and has a lot of embroidery work done on it.