The world around reflects Pashmina and Cashmere in the same way. But there are some differences between the two. Commencing the differences with the origin of the wool. The finest Cashmere wool is obtained from the specific breed of Changra goats of Ladakh. While Pashmina is the process of spinning and weaving the finest Ladakhi Cashmere. In addition, several types of wool, especially those obtained from sheep are also explicit. Cashmere wool on the other hand is obtained from the rarest breeds of goat. Also, distinct breeds prevail in the world. Malra breed, Chigu breed, Licheng breed, Tibetan breed, Liaoning breed, Changhthanghi breed, etc. are some of the breeds. Among all, the Changhthanghi breed gives the finest Cashmere.

Pashmina Art is the crafting of finest and softest Cashmere wool procured from Changra Goats who are the inhabitants of Changhthanghi, Ladakh.

The difference between Cashmere and Pashmina

Cashmere is the finest wool from the Changra goats. Whilst, Pashmina is the name given to the art of creatively processing exclusive Shawls, scarves, and wraps from the finest Cashmere fibre. Henceforth, Pashmina is the art of spinning and weaving from the downy undercoat of the Changra goat to curate luxury Shawls, Scarves, and Wraps. In addition, generic Cashmere ranges from 12 to 20 microns. Also, the transformation of finest Cashmere of 12 to 16 microns range in distinct styles is termed, Pashmina Art.

Until the 19th century, the fine Cashmere wool, used by the Iranian rulers for several religious and political gatherings was explicit. In addition, in the 18th century, the glaze captured the Europeans and they started to import it to their countries especially Scotland and France. The Cashmere word, coined by the Europeans was due to the abundance of the finest Cashmere wool in the valley of Kashmir from where Pashmina art found its path. Thus, the resemblance in names is definite.

From the time of civilizations, there are shreds of evidence of woolen shawls. Cashmere, from the fleece of a rare nomadic breed of goats. The breed explicitly found between Mongolia, China, Iran, Tibet, Northern India, and Afghanistan is pure. The finest among all, obtained in the Ladakh region of India is Ladakhi cashmere. Thus, this fine wool awestruck all the universe from the beginning of the history of handicrafts. On the other hand, Pashmina, the art of curating Cashmere distinctly in several styles has a unique journey. It dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India.

How did Cashmere and Pashmina come into existence?

The soul of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvelous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley. The beauty of Pashmina suggested making an industry that cultivates the art of Pashmina with desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

How is Ladakhi Cashmere procured?

The Changhthanghi region of Ladakh is at a high altitude. Therefore, the temperature is coldest there in winters. It goes to a minimum of -20°C. The habitat adapts to the harsh climate. A rare species of goats dwell at the feet of Changhthanghi mountain. They are called Changra Goats. They are medium-sized goats with two twisted horns. These goats are also called Kashmir Goats. In harsh winter, the Changra goats develop fine and soft wool under their bellies, behind ears, and on the neck. This is done to combat the cold weather. But eventually, when the summertime comes and sunshine is at its peak, the goats shed off the wool. The wool is also combed out manually by the herders of the Changpa tribe in Changhthanghi. And the fine wool is called Cashmere wool.

There are diverse breeds that produce Cashmere in the world. But the Ladakhi goats produce the finest Cashmere. In addition, Mongolia, China, and Tibet are the largest producers of wool. Yet, the Ladakhi Cashmere has the finest grade but its production is quite low due to the rare goats of Changra.

In Kashmir Valley, the craft begins

The finest Cashmere wool is transferred to the Valley of Kashmir in small packets. The tufts of Cashmere wool are hand cleaned, and hand sorted. Thereafter, the wool is spun across a wheel called yinder. Then, the magical yarn of Cashmere is whirled upon the wooden stick called thonchur by the process called pranch. Afterward, the yarn is taken to the local workshops where a handloom moves ahead with the process. The handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handloom with their hands and feet to curate the finest Cashmere fabric. This is called Weaving. Thus, after the process of Weaving, there is the proper designing process that decides the faith of the finest Cashmere.

Versatile styles of Cashmere in Pashmina Art

There are three main styles in Pashmina Art viz; Cashmere Wraps, Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls. In these elegant styles, there are innumerable designs in the creation of Pashmina Art. In addition, there are two styles in Men's Pashmina viz; Scarves and Shawls. There are diverse designs in the Art of Pashmina. Thus, the faith of each style of Pashmina Art is decided in the design. The designs can be in patterns, embroideries, weaves, embellishments, digital paints, or dyes.

Also read: HOW CAN YOU TELL A REAL PASHMINA FROM A FAKE?

Eloquent Collection of Pashmina

We, at pashmina.com, belong to the eloquent definition of Pashmina art. From the journey in the Changhthanghi Ladakh, the path goes on in the Valley of Kashmir. The rhymes of artisans are significantly in a song of homage to the heritage and skill. Also, the craft of Pashmina defines several styles and designs. We, profoundly present the world with premium and finest quality Pashmina accessories. Thus, having one of the masterpieces eloquently reflects the luxurious glory in every sphere of fashion.

Also read: WHAT IS PASHMINA EMBROIDERY?