PAPIER MACHE

One of the Master pieces is Papier Mache craft made by combining  paper with natural glue which is soaked for 10 to 20 days, then hammered into a thick pulp mash, which is left to dry partially. Each piece is then given a form by hand, putting successive layers of the paper pulp around a central core for basic shaping. When thoroughly dried, abase compound is applied for extra strength and is further smoothened by sand stone. Next a thin rice paper is applied on top with cloth reinforcement in the corners and on the base to protect against expansion or contraction in different climate conditions. The surface of article is smoothened with a special stone made of hard brick called karkod. Then the desired pattern is hand drawn on the surface and completed with an array of colors which results in smooth and attractive products.

This exquisite box at Cottage Emporium is handcrafted and coloured. The piece is beautifully hand painted in the floral design depicting beautiful flora and fauna of Kashmir valley. The design used in this piece is intricate floral pattern drawn with fine thin brush. Water based colours and natural pigments have been used in this piece. Pure gold foil and paint has been used in the design which imparts a royal look to the piece. Finally the piece is coated with lacquer which protects it from water and gives extra durability.