An aura of Pashmina Art gleams in the surrounding Kashmir Valley. The heritage, culture and artisanal skills of the Kashmir Valley whirl in the Art of Pashmina. Beyond the life of clouds, there is a valley of rich culture calling out the name of Pashmina. Pashmina is a versatile craft about the heritage of Kashmir Valley. The rich culture and traditions of the Valley reflect in each accessary of Pashmina Beyond the dimensions of each style in Pashmina Art, there is a definite luxury in every design. Before getting to know the origin from where it all began, there is a proper way of procuring and crafting a Pashmina accessory.

How is the finest Cashmere procured for Pashmina Accessory?

Cashmere is the fine and premium quality wool from the Ladakhi Changra breed of Goats. The goats dwell at the feet of Changthangi mountain of Ladakh. The temperature drops to a minimum in harsh winters in the region of Changhthanghi. Therefore, the Goats develop and thick pelage of wool over their bodies. Thus, protecting themselves from the harsh cold. Seasons change, and likewise, the climate changes. Thereby, the Changra goats shed off the wool by rubbing against rocks and trees. The herders of the Changpa tribe also manually comb out the thick wool. This wool is called the finest Cashmere wool. The goats are raised particularly for the Cashmere wool.

Afterward, the wool is packed in small packets to transfer to the paradise of earth, the Kashmir Valley. The valley receives the Cashmere wool with wide-open arms of creativity and admiration. Therefore, the valley works upon the finest Cashmere with the high skill of artisans. The households of the valley have revived and preserved the Pashmina Art in the most unique way.

Also read: THE TRAIL OF INDIA’S CASHMERE GOAT MEN

How is the finest Cashmere Crafted?

After the Cashmere wool reaches the valley of Kashmir, it undergoes the process of cleaning. The Cashmere wool is thoroughly cleaned to get the dirt, dust, and grime out. After the meticulous cleaning, the Cashmere wool goes into the journey of Spinning. The process of transforming the Cashmere wool into fine Cashmere yarn is Spinning. The process is precisely done by the womenfolk of the valley on a wooden wheel called yinder. They move the wheel in a circular motion with one hand and with another hand they elongate the wool into yarn. Thus, creating fine Cashmere yarn from the Cashmere wool.

Afterward, the Cashmere yarn is transferred to the local workshops/karkhanas for the process of weaving. Weaving is the process of precisely looming warps and wefts to create a thin and soft fabric of Cashmere. The weaving is done on the handloom made of forest wood. The handloom is worked upon by highly skilled artisans. The artisans work upon the handloom by simultaneously using their feet and hands to create the woven Cashmere fabric. The weaving is mainly done by the menfolk of the valley.

Designing in Pashmina Art decided the faith of an Accessory

The design of Cashmere fabric is meticulously done stepwise. The faith of each masterpiece is assigned by the designer as per the requirement. The unique and luxurious designs are given to the Cashmere fabric. Thus, creating the best of the Pashmina Art collection. Some diverse styles and designs lift the luxury of every piece in the most meticulous way. Thus, the diverse styles are Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls. In these styles, several designs belong to the definition of luxury. One of the explicit designs is the Kani Pashmina Shawls. Therefore, the intricate weave of Kani Pashmina Shawls is exclusively the luxurious weave catering to all genders.

Defining every edge of Kashmir,
with the eloquence of finest Cashmere 
calling upon the Valley 
from the eyes of Changhthanghi
Cherishing every moment of rich crafting, 
the valley itself, speaks of luxury

Finest Cashmere was crafted first time in the 13th century

The origin of the finest Cashmere dates back to the 13th century. A sage from the Middle East, Mir Syed Ali Shah Hamdani started his journey with 700 craftsmen towards Kashmir. On his journey to Kashmir, he encountered the rare goats of Ladakh. He was enthralled by the fine wool on their bodies. He combed some out of them and made socks. The fine socks were warm and Pure. He gifted them to the ruler of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abideen. In addition, he suggested making a local industry to curate the fine wool. His 700 craftsmen taught the people of Kashmir several skills. The skills proved to be the main requisite for curating the finest Cashmere. Thus, the art of Pashmina came into existence. The high skill prevails in the valley till now. Therefore, it has been incorporated into the heritage of Kashmir Valley. 

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS IN MID-VICTORIAN NOVELS

High-end collection of Pashmina

We, at pashmina.com, suffuse the beauty of Pashmina Art in every accessory of the finest Cashmere. Beautifully crafted in the realm of Kashmir Valley, we cherish every journey of the finest Cashmere to Kashmir Valley. Our masterpieces reflect the authenticity of crafting in each weave and each colour. Thus, having one of our masterpieces cheers you up with exquisite luxury.

Also read: IS PASHMINA THE SAME AS SILK?