Making Kashmiri Silk Carpet eyepoppingly luxuriant with Calligraphy
Young artisans and designers have turned the already coveted Kashmiri carpets into an irresistible article to lay one’s feet on. Incorporating new designs and techniques into the art of weaving and painting, they have used calligraphy art on fine silk carpets.
Craftsmen and local social Entrepreneurs go by the name of Shahnawaz Ahmad and Imaad Parvez are making sure that the inimitable craft of carpet making in Kashmir receives its due patronage by experimenting with new designs. Apart from using calligraphy they also used Gold and Silver threads to make these Carpets.
Their unremitting efforts have spurred the demand in markets and it has also encouraged other young talent to try their hand at the art. Beautiful Calligraphy work on these silk carpets is adding to its beauty. Most of these carpets are sold overseas.
Shahnawaz is a graduate in fine arts and has inherited the craft from his family but he wanted to do something different than routine designs. Hence he started experimenting with calligraphy art on carpets. The customers across the Gulf loved it. The cultural paintings used in the designs are admired by the people. He changed the trend and reaped a lot of benefits.
He is also imparting new techniques to his fellow artisans. He has held workshops in which artisans were taught calligraphy and how to use gold and silver threads to make designs. He is of the opinion that the workers needed some training so he held a workshop for them.
These new techniques and designs for Kashmir silk carpets are bringing new life to this art. Not only is this helping to revive this craft but also generating employment for the younger generation.
A local social Entrepreneur Imaad Parvez has collaborated with Shahnawaz as he wants to build a luxury brand with Kashmir craft. The idea is to revive the art and introduce it to those people who don’t know anything about this art form. And also bring in designs which will attract the younger generation.
Both have the strong conviction that by changing the dynamics ad trends with the Kashmiri crafts, they can do wonders in the Luxury lifestyle market as there is no splendid luxury than it is reflected by the handmade products.
Images by WION
