Cashmere is the name given to a soft, cuddly, and luxurious animal hair type. It grows on the body of the Capra Hircus goat which is found in the Himalayas. Owing to its properties like softness, warmth, and finesse, this animal fiber is considered unique and rare. It is no wonder that women all around the world cherish just one piece of Cashmere wrap or scarf in their luxury wardrobes. For this reason, fake Cashmere started selling in the early 2000s owing to the huge demand for this luxury fabric.

Where is Cashmere found?

The luxury fleece is found growing over the body of the Himalayan Capra Hircus, which grows it as an undercoat. This gives the goat protection against the extreme cold temperature that Himalayas are famous for. The winter temperature in this area dips to minus 40 degrees C, and hence animals around need protection. Nature supplies goats with an exceptionally fine and warm fleece, which helps them survive the weather outdoors easily. This fleece is Cashmere. 

Which Cashmere is the best?

The Cashmere found in the Ladakh area is considered the best. In fact, this is the same variety that has been used for centuries to craft the world-famous Pashmina shawls of Kashmir. In addition to this, it is Ladakhi Cashmere that is considered the warmest, finest, and most luxurious; it has no comparison in the world whatsoever. 

Wool from Ladakhi goats is acquired after it is lost from their body in the month of March. Simultaneously, this is collected by their herders and sold to middlemen, who transport it to Kashmir for processing. Kashmiri artisans have decades of experience as far as processing Cashmere is concerned. They welcome the luxurious chunks of wool by cleaning them firstly, and then spinning them into fine yarn. This yarn is just 12 - 16 microns in diameter. It is handwoven to convert it into fabric. The opulent fabric so attained is used to make sweaters, scarves, wraps, furnishing items and accessories like ties, handkerchiefs and baby blankets.

Also read: How can you tell if a scarf is Cashmere?

Real vs Fake Cashmere

As soon as the popularity of Cashmere gained impetus all over the world, a large number of manufacturers started making fake Cashmere wraps, scarves, and accessories. These are of bad quality and hence brought a bad name to entire Cashmere product lines. Fake Cashmere products were the ones that were either made from some fibres of Cashmere or some sheep wool, nylon, or silk. Other fake products were made from sheep wool simply but softened using chemicals and sold as pure Cashmere pieces.

There were even Pashmina shawls made from Cashmere were made using machines, and sold as handmade Cashmere products. This is blatant corruption. Moreover, it led to customers being cheated, and disappointed them for life, never to invest in Cashmere products again. Fake Cashmere products spread the markets, and almost all patrons of pure Cashmere got cheated in the name of real art. Hence, this needed to be sorted, in whatever way it was possible. 

Pure, Original, Certified, Real Cashmere 

Thankfully a large portion of the trading community was honest with the art form, and fought until they separated real Cashmere products from fake ones. Influencers, artisans and fabric experts were the ones who pointed out that fake Cashmere is of no use. It is just bad quality products with the high pricing of real Cashmere. These experienced and skilled individuals have given certain tests to be consulted over Cashmere products to know if they are real or fake.

How to spot fake Cashmere wraps?

Even for experts, it is a challenge to differentiate chemically treated sheep wool from real cashmere. As a layman it is simply impossible to tell the difference between wool that has been modified with elaborate procedures from pure cashmere.

However, few tests can be done on Cashmere products to know if they are real or the fakes that even now sell across the globe. Let us discuss these tests one by one. 

Burning the Fringes

The burn test is the most popular and most used method to check for the purity of this luxury fiber. It includes picking a fringe from the product and burning it over the flame of a candle. If the fringe gives out the pungent natural hair-burning smell, the product is made from real Cashmere. This is because Cashmere is a natural fiber, and will give out the same smell when burnt. The smell is the same if we burn human hair. 

In addition to the smell, the ashes of the burnt fringe will crush to fine powder if the product is real.

Regular weaves make it fake

If you own a Pashmina shawl, and want to check if it is made from Pure Cashmere, hold it against a light source. Now, check the weave and see the patterns of the weave. Are they artificially regular and straight? Then you might have been cheated. This is because pure Cashmere made shawls are handmade, and no machine is used to craft these. Also, hand made weaves can't be straight and regular, and there will definitely be some human error. Irregular weaves are bound to be, when manual effort is involved.

Low price means Fake Cashmere

Is the product you just got too cheap to be Cashmere? Pure Cashmere is expensive, and few wraps can cost you thousands of dollars. But if the product you are buying is too cheap, and matches sheep wool product prices, there are high chances that the product is not pure Cashmere. The manual effort and outstanding quality makes Cashmere products pricey, which is pretty much well deserved. 

No Piling? Your Cashmere is Fake

Even Though many of us have never lied piling on our clothes and accessories, it is good when it comes to Cashmere. Being natural hair, Cashmere products are bound to experience piling. And if your Cashmere sweater or wrap is piling, thank yourself for having invested in an original product. 

Fake Cashmere isn't as soft

The most basic way to identify original Cashmere is the softness. Cashmere is immensely soft, and does not itch. This is because the fibre is hypoallergenic, and doesn't cause any reactions. It is buttery smooth and soft, and not bumpy to cause any irritation to the skin. 

Fake Cashmere can be disastrous to your pocket, image and time. Pure Cashmere lasts for a lifetime, while fake Cashmere will be there for just a few years. Always make sure you buy a pure Cashmere product. 

Also read: Do vegans wear Cashmere Scarf?

Pashmina shawls come from Pashm - blissfully soft and fine wool found in Ladakh. Pashm literally means soft gold, and hence has been widely used to define the exquisite nature of Pashmina shawls, which are nothing less than that. Pashmina shawls are an exaggeration of luxury, finesse, and the most wonderful experience one can have in a lifetime. It is precious, priceless, and timeless. 

Pashm wool, which is handcrafted to make Pashmina shawls, comes from a rare goat species, found in Ladakh. Surprisingly, the goat is found over 15000 feet, where it battles one of the harshest climatic conditions. As a defense mechanism, nature bestows it with the fine Pashm wool that keeps it warm and alive in the coldest days and nights. This fine wool is 8 times warmer than merino wool and is hence considered a treasure. It is later manually processed by hundreds of artisans and transformed into the world-famous Pashmina shawls. 

Pashmina Shawl making: Our Trip to Kashmir

An absolutely pleasant experience on our trip to Kashmir was meeting the makers of Pashmina shawls. Undoubtedly, we were quite excited to see the hands, which could conjure these luxury fabrics out of mere lumps of wool. How could fine wool be processed into such mesmerizing fabrics that are immensely warm, extraordinarily soft, and timeless? Our quest to know the makers took us to the Paradisiacal valley of Kashmir, where we met each artisan who is a part of this incredible process. 

The Changpa Tribe

The first and foremost community, who starts with gathering the wool of the goat, is the Changpa tribe. The Changthang area is a plateau located 15000 feet above sea level. It is occupied by the Changpa tribe, who rear this unique breed of goats called the Changthangi goat or the Pashmina goat. It should be mentioned that this goat is the Capra Hircus goat. The nomadic tribe of Changpa lives in the freezing conditions that this plateau has to offer. In spite of inhospitable climates, chilly winds, immensely cold nights and temperatures dropping to minus 50 degrees C, the tribesmen roam from place to place around the plateau to seek more livable conditions. Hence the tribe puts their heart and soul into taking care of these goats, and it is in search of green pastures for them that takes the nomads from place to place.

The Life in the plateaus

The Nomadic tribe of Changthang witnesses the worst living conditions. Less to zero water supply, living in tents, waking up early in the morning to find a place to live, and a constant battle to survive themselves and their animals, is life to them. Indeed, if it wasn't for these efforts, the animals would die of hunger, if not cold. Hence, the very first community that deserved our heartfelt appreciation was the Changpa tribe. 

In the Spring season when the goats begin moulting, the tribesmen help them to get rid of the wool. The goats are gently combed and this rids them of the Pashm wool, which they are not able to bear in summers. The wool is collected, and a basic cleaning is done by the tribesmen and women together. Later it is packed and sent to Kashmir for processing. And now starts the actual implementation of age-old techniques that transform chunks of fine wool into the most ethereal accessories.

Also read: Which country has the best Cashmere?

Processing Pashmina Shawls: Spinning of Pashm

Spinning of Pashm wool is maneuvered by the womenfolk of Kashmir. Not to mention, these are usually underprivileged, poverty-stricken, widowed, or divorced women whose only source of income is spinning Pashmina. This number has reduced a lot since the last two decades. 

The spinning of Pashm wool is done only after cleaning it thoroughly. Cleaning too is performed by women, who separate each thread and make it free from any impurity. Wool usually consists of dirt, dust, animal, and vegetable wastes which the goat encounters. This has to be removed along with the guard hair, and only the purest and finest threads have to be passed to the next level.

Spinning converts raw Pashm threads to fine yarn and hence makes it ready for the next processing. Spinning is done with the help of a spinning wheel which is locally known as ‘yinder’. The process is quite complicated for laymen, as women place fine wool tufts between their fingers, and spin the wheel, raising and lowering the hand perfectly rhyming with the movement. This is an immensely skillful operation and requires practice and experience. The yarn produced is as fine as just 12 to 16 microns in diameter.  

Weaving of the Spun Yarn

The making of a Pashmina shawl is a household affair. While women are responsible for cleaning and spinning, it is the duty of men to hand weave the yarn to fabric. 

After receiving fine yarn from women, men separate the threads for use as a warp or weft. At times, the yarn needs to be dyed at this stage. It is sent to another set of artisans for dying when such times arise. Usually, after separating warps and wefts, weaving starts. Before mounting the yarn on a handloom, it needs strengthening and stretching. Four to six rods are erected in the ground. Two men work together and transfer this yarn around these rods. Over a thousand threads are stretched in this way to form the warp. This is enough for around 5 shawls. 

Now comes the actual weaving process. The loom is made up of wood and has a bench on one side. Two people can sit on this bench. Now the weaving starts and after 3 to 4 days, a shawl is ready. This shawl is sent for washing under spring water with an organic soap, which requires another set of specialists.

Also read: Kashmiri Shawl | Questions and Answers

Finishing processes toward Pashmina Shawls

The finishing processes carried out over a Pashmina shawl make sure that the end product is free from any foreign threads or extra fabric. Hence the washed fabric is sent to an artisan who tweezes the fabric and brushes out any superficial flaw on the base. This is done by holding the shawl tight between two rollers so that a proper view can be acquired and any flaw is removed. 

Next, this cleaned fabric is sent to another artisan, who rubs the shawl with a maize cob called ‘Kasher’ locally. This further makes the surface smooth. 

The next finishing process is washing the shawl. For that, it is sent to a dhobi or specialist washer who washes the fabric in running spring water and repeatedly strikes it against a hard surface or large stone. 

Dyeing follows washing. The fabric is sent to a professional dyer, who dyes it as per the demand and requirement. 

The shawls are rolled and left stretched for several days. Post this speculated time, these are ironed using specialised irons which iron the entire shawl together. Finally, it is packed and handed over to sellers for selling to the final customer. 

The process of handcrafting a Pashmina shawl finishes here, but for a solid shawl. If the shawl is to be embroidered, it needs further processing and is passed between embroidery specialists. We will get back to you with ‘Who embroiders Pashmina Shawls’ in our next blog. 

Also read: Pashmina - The Token of Ingenious Craft

With the colours of the sky, a shade belongs to all the memories of Pashmina despite the presence of the known world. Soul resides there, near that sky with all the calmness that is inbuilt in the creation of Pashmina. Assuming the world without the tenderness of Pashmina leads to the unknown dimension where a void needs to be filled. Appealing to the eye, it brings out its versions with glamour around its edges of bliss.

The world of Pashmina

Pashmina, the togetherness of pashms, has come a long way towards its creation as well as the development of style. The embedded styles near the life of Pashmina have gone way too far for its survival in the world of fashion.

Pashmina from the Changthangi goat has crawled steadily towards the dimension where it amalgamates with forms to promote its genuineness. Beyond its delicacy and its sustainable position, there is more to the Pashmina because there is life to its name. Likewise, Pashmina has a unique and distinct style accepting every detail created onto its soul. Taking on the journey of its magnificent versatility, it does sing for its musical threads of pashms.

Versatility of Pashms

Pashmina takes over all the world with its versatility because it is the most superior yet simple form of Art. It takes on scattered reasons that fall upon its creation and does bloom with the weaves. Pashmina with the span of time has come up with many patterns in its designs to be present in this world. Looking at its timeline and its creativity of carrying the moments that are part of the world for ages now. Taking its form from Cashmere wool, it has attained several natures by which it creates an aura of creativity. Henceforth, describing its various connections with nature like Kani weave, Ombre, Laced, Reversed (do-rukha) especially it's living with Embroidery. It has also taken many patterns in its way of creation like shawls, scarves, wraps, etc.

Also read: The Kashmiri Shawl | All You Need to Know

Pashmina in Love with Embroidery

Admiration of Pashmina has been into the surrounding for ages now. It is because of the Pashmina itself. With the threads of embroidery, Pashmina feels miraculous. Memories all over again come back to a life of Pashmina when it entangles with the needle and threads of embroidery around. Pashmina wool develops into exquisite embroidered  Pashmina that has handwoven explicit dreams of the people around.

The artisans, who are the servers of the lifelong craft of Embroidered Pashmina, created with the softness of pashm. They have reserved the integrity of the Handicrafts for ages in the Kashmir Valley. Embroidered Pashmina has components that make it to a level where the moments meet the memories of the past and coming world. The Embroidery, the creation of the marvelous has been the same since time. With time, there are some alterations given to the nature of hand-embroidered Pashmina enhancing the living world inside the designs.

Moreover, the embroiderers have made their way to a level, unreached because of the explicit skill. Nature, depicted from where the wool is obtained. Creating and enhancing the world with Pashmina has its essence at the time when the preparation starts and ends. The exquisite nature of hand-embroidered pashmina has been an idea of love and beauty for the world.

Diversity in Embroidery

The way Pashmina bolts down all the characteristics and integrity of Embroidery. Adjoining all the aspects to make a piece of artwork filled with admiration within the horizons of creation. The embroidery in turn relishes the desires that a Pashmina dwells on. An Artwork that imbibes several worth appreciation embroidered works.

The divinity and outrageous nature of the patterns and embroidery on Pashmina has been like a heavenly process. Thus, elegant types of embroidery get infused thus moving above the sky with the pashms around. Mentioned are some

1. _Sozni

The embroidery, created by using a needle in the hands of the artisan who moves it the way nature has swirled the flowers and leaves around. Patterns, crafted by many stitches viz; darning, double darning, herringbone, knots are intricate. This gives it a profound look. The process itself is complex that needs great skill. The jiggling of thread and needle gives an astonishing pattern that reaches up to the mark of genuineness. Also, the most popular motifs are abstract geometric designs, paisleys, flowers. Both sides of the shawl have a detailed workaround. The Sozni work has incorporated tradition in its creation.

2. _{Papier Mache}

A series of flat stitches, the satin stitch, used to fill the background fabric for the design like flowers, leaves are intricate. The design works in vivid and bright colours outlined in black colour. Thus, overlapping of the thread to give a flat design. The whole design proposes splendor in its own way.

There can be way too many different embroideries that are common in the world of Pashmina like Kantha work, etc. Even there can be many more ways of looking and perceiving its embroidery. Moreover, amalgamating various embroideries to create the best version in itself.

3. _{Tilla Dozi}

The ravishing jewel-like embroidery substitutes the royalty of a Pashmina. The entwining of the golden threads with the normal threads gives a gentle look to the design.

Moreover, the look over the Pashmina with hand-embroidered Tilla gives a fascination in itself. With the skill of artisans that belong to the valley and who work over the artwork heartedly.

4. _Aari

A unique way of creating the aesthetic embroidery with the pointed crochet needle, specifically tangling with the pure silk thread. Hence, creating embroidery, well defined as well as rich in the color scheme. This type of embroidery gives the moments of past time in the mid 16th century. The artisan, heart filled with love for his crochet needle and by making loops and using the thread extensively.

Pashmina relish the intricate designs

The exquisite motifs, traditionally used by the artisans to devote to the ravishing Pashmina. Also, Pashmina has contemporary designs of the present world besides these cultural designs. Imbibing these in order to beautify all the radiant life around pashms.

Pashmina, a serene contemplate

In the era of fashion, Pashmina has been a strong contemplate of all the aura around beauty.

 Oh! Come along my village
 Have you seen my Pashmina?
 The face with hashi,
 The standing of jamma
 Come along my village
 It has left buta around my edges
 Smile! It does smile
 On the banks of river
 Pashmina does float by flying 

In addition to the passionate love of Pashmina for embroidery. Moreover, a place where they have been together since time, Pashmina.com serves you the exquisite love story of Pashmina and Embroidery. Embroidered Pashmina not only adorns the surroundings but also admires the love all the people have for each other.

Also read: Why Pashminas? | 10 Reasons to have a Pashmina

Pashmina Art is the crafting of fine Cashmere wool to diverse accessories. The diverse range of finest Cashmere accessories is bestowed with the precision and diligence of artisans of Kashmir Valley. The Art of Pashmina is an authentic craft belonging to the valley of Kashmir. Pashmina Art is the authentic craft of Kashmir. Its origin goes back to the 15th century. The unique definition of tradition and heritage, given to the Pashmina by the name artisans is defined. The Valley is gifted with the Art of Pashmina for a very long. Although, modernisation and technology have altered its production. Yet, the essence of the revival of Pashmina Art is up to the mark of authenticity and valour.

Pashmina Art- From Changhthanghi Ladakh

It all starts in the region of Ladakh. The temperature in the mountain of Changhthanghi goes to a minimum of 20°C. Nature inhibits many movements. But, a rare breed of goats called Changra Goats dwells in this harsh climate. To combat this winter, they develop thick wool on their bodies. The Changra goats, also called Kashmir Goats are rare. They are medium-sized Goats with two twisted horns. Thus, mainly grazed for the production of fine Wool. The fine wool they develop in the winter season is naturally shed off against rocks, trees by them. Moreover, the herders of the Changpa tribe also manually comb out the wool. The fine wool is called Cashmere wool. 

Cashmere from this particular region of Changhthanghi is the finest among all. There is a worldwide production of Cashmere wool. Several countries produce a large quantity of Cashmere wool. More than 98% of Cashmere wool comes from the other breeds of Goats from around the world. Only 1% of total production is from the Changra Goats of Changhthanghi, Ladakh. The fineness corresponds to the premium quality Cashmere wool. Thus, the replication, not only done within Pashmina Art but the replication in accessories also done using the other Cashmere wool.

Pashmina Art- To the Valley of Kashmir

After reaching the valley of Kashmir, the packets of Cashmere wool are cleaned, soaked and dried to take out dirt and grime. After the adequate cleaning, the Cashmere wool, distributed to the households finest. Then, women in households use the wooden wheel called yinder to spin the Cashmere wool. This is called Spinning. The transformation of the fine Cashmere wool to Cashmere yarn is Spinning. Thus, the process of translating Cashmere Wool to fine Cashmere yarn is Spinning. The spinning, done meticulously with precision is efficient. Women work with diligence to make the best out of the Spinning process. It is the basic step of Pashmina Art. This roots for the other marvellous steps of Pashmina Art. After the Spinning process, the spun Cashmere yarn is moved further to the process of Weaving.

Weaving and Designing

Weaving is the third step in Pashmina Art. It is the process of crafting the fine yarn into supremely premium Cashmere fabric. The highly skilled artisans work on the handlooms set up in the local workshops/ karkhanas. The handlooms, mostly made of forest wood are handmade. The artisans mainly men artisans work with diligence on the fine yarn. By creating a series of warps and wefts by using their hands and feet, the fabric comes into existence. The supremely premium fabric, turned to the further step of designing is explicit.

The process of designing begins. Thus, the faith of finest Cashmere is assigned. The artisans wait for the arrival of Cashmere fabric with the hearts of skill. The marvellous hands of artisans confer to the designs and hum melodies of intricacy on the finest Cashmere. The surrounding aura of the valley signifies the profound design in diverse ways. There are three main styles in the Pashmina Art;  Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. In addition, it is known that Pashmina Art, the crafting of the finest Ladakhi Cashmere to a diverse range of accessories in numerous designs is premium.

In the Valley of Kashmir- Origin of Pashmina Art

The story begins when a Persian saint was travelling across the globe. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was a sage from the Middle East. The footprints 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. He rested his feet in the region of Changhthanghi Ladakh. So, the saint landed its appearance in the Changhthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of thick and soft wool. Amazed by the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen, the ruler of Kashmir Valley.

Thus, after perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, he suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is explicitly unique.

Therefore, the 700 craftsmen worked over the people of the valley and taught them several handicrafts. The one being the Art of Pashmina. Therefore, from old generations till now, the Kashmir valley, bestowed with highly skilled artisans is cultural. Pashmina Art is the token of the heritage of Handicrafts of Kashmir. These artisans are the masters of Pashmina Art till now. The generations of the valley of Kashmir work upon the finest Cashmere in diverse ways. Thus, creating several accessories of luxurious value.

Also read: Kashmiri Shawls: Who introduced shawls in Kashmir?

The Advent of Power looms and Machine-Crafted Pashmina

The emergence of technology leads to a fast world. The period of each process has been shortened by using the Machines. In the older times, the authenticity of Pashmina Art, evident in the process of crafting was versatile. Handspun and Handwoven Pashmina were of high quality and royalty. With the advent of machines and modernisation, handlooms got replaced with power looms. It decreases the period of the crafting and the skill requires is least. Therefore, the industries opted for the power looms to save money and energy. In this process of modernisation, the essence and genuineness got in the world. Even Hand embroidery was replaced with Machine Embroidery. It affected the artisans and their livelihood and the skill, taken aback for many years was diminished.

Further, by the knowledge and scope of Pashmina Art, we, at pashmina.com are reviving the originality of the Pashmina Art. The whole process of Pashmina Art, manually done is exqusite. Thus, the high quality, preserved eloquently. Also, the several places have replicated the Pashmina Art accessories. The other states of India have replicated the Art by making machine-spun, machine woven and machine embroidered Pashmina Shawls. It has affected the quality statement of overall Pashmina Art. Therefore, the genuineness, catered in the Valley of Kashmir is efficient. Also, the artisans have been the servers of Pashmina Art for generations.

Also read: Pashmina Facts - 10 Amazing Facts about Pashmina

The Versatile Collection

As per the norms of the present world, the definition of any modernization, well-defined with the creation of Pashmina is authentic. Also, the livelihood of artisanss survived. In addition, the integrity is preserved. Pashmina Art from the Cashmere wool of Changthangi Goat is versatile in itself. At pashmina.com, the best collection of men’s and women’s Pashmina is at its high-quality podium. Pashmina is a high-quality craft in the world that cherishes its lovers by bringing warmth and luxurious fashion to the presence of souls. Therefore, the craft of pashmina, the quality craft is explicit. In addition, its extensive creation, the diligent artisans, and the love, poured into every single masterpiece of Pashmina is definite.

Also read: The Exclusive Pashmina Art in the valley of Kashmir

Cashmere - the downy luxurious hair obtained from the Cashmere goats have for centuries been used to produce yarn. From this yarn, textiles, shawls, wraps, scarves, furnishing and other accessories have been crafted since the 15th century. The famous Kashmiri shawls (called Pashmina shawls) are also a product of the long processing of Cashmere wool, which is done in Kashmir itself.

Where is Cashmere found?

Cashmere is found growing on rare species of goats called the Capra Hircus. These are found around the Himalayas, at different points, and hence a number of countries close to these points are producers of Cashmere. China and Mongolia top this list, while other countries produce the same in lesser amounts. 

Gathering wool from the Goat

Cashmere is collected during spring and summer. This is the moulting season for the goat which grows it. It starts around March, and till May, maximum Cashmere is collected. The coat of hair grows back as soon as the first signs of winter occur. 

The hair is collected from the body of the Cashmere goat in March. This is when due to hormonal changes, the goat itself loses a major part of the hair. The rest of it is gently combed off using specialized tools and combs. This is packed in small packs, post a basic cleaning process. After cleaning, the wool is processed into yarn, and the yarn is woven to make Cashmere scarves, shawls, or plain fabric to be processed later. 

Production of Cashmere

China is the largest producer of Cashmere followed by Mongolia. These two nations together produce more than 90% of the total cashmere produced in the world. Other countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and India also produce cashmere, but in lesser amounts. The best quality is produced in the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir in India. This Cashmere is the finest and the warmest amongst all. It is used in the making of the world-famous Kashmiri shawls. 

Cashmere and Ladakh

Over an altitude of over 14000 feet, North of India lies a region, cut away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. The region is Changthang and lies in the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir. Changthang is cruelly cold and freezes at a temperature of minus 40 degrees in winter. While people themselves never choose to travel to this corner of the world, except for in peak summer season, there are communities which have lived here since the start of time. Buddhist monks of Ladakh, have been born and raised in these harsh conditions, and it is this community that continues to live here with their prized herds, Cashmere goats being one of them. 

Cashmere goats of Ladakh are called Changthangi goats, named after the place they are specifically found in. These goats grow fine wool in the winter season, but in Spring get rid of most of it. The rest of the wool, still on their bodies is gently combed off by professionals, and packed in small packets. This is sent to Kashmir for processing, as Ladakh itself lacks the proper infrastructure, and labour needed for the processing of the fine wool. 

Also read: Sustainable Gifts | Ethically Sourced Cashmere Wraps

Arrival In Kashmir

As soon as Cashmere from Ladakh reaches Kashmir, artisans await its arrival with open arms. It is received by middlemen first, who send it to womenfolk of the valley. The women sit in groups and start cleaning the Cashmere. The threads are sorted one by one, making the process one of the most laborious processes. Post this cleaning, where any external substances are removed from the wool, clean Cashmere is soaked in a mixture of rice powder and water paste. It is soaked for days, making the threads stronger and shinier. After 3 or 4 days, the fibre is removed from the rice paste and cleaned again. This super clean, stronger and finer version of Cashmere is sent for hand spinning. 

Hand spinning is again done by the womenfolk of the valley. A number of women own a wooden spinning wheel, which is locally called “yinder”. The yinder transforms Cashmere wool lumps to fine yarn, 12 to 16 microns in diameter. It is the rhythms of the movement of the hands and the wheel that is responsible for producing Cashmere yarn. Once the yarn is ready, it sent for weaving

Weaving is carried out by the men. One or two people sit at a time and weave the fine yarn into fabric. The fabric can be shawls, scarves, plain fabric for making accessories, furnishing items and more. The weaving process takes 3 to 4 days to complete. It is again a labour intensive process that takes a lot of hard work by the workers. Sitting an entire day for 8 to 10 hours every single day is a challenge in itself, but the passion of the artisans knows no bounds. 

Is Cashmere made in Kashmir?

Cashmere is processed in Kashmir. It is procured from the Ladakh region, but since Ladakh itself has no artisans or the proper infrastructure to process Cashmere, it is sent to Kashmir. Processing units in Kashmir were set up in the 15th century, by the then king Zain ul abideen, who was impressed by the fine quality and warmth of the wool. Since then, Cashmere has been processed in Kashmir, and it has been centuries since the artisans of the valley mastered this art. Procured from Ladakh, each process in the making of the finished products is carried out in Kashmir. Spinning, weaving, embroidery, styling, designing, each step is carried out by a different set of artisans from Kashmir. 

The best use of Ladakhi Cashmere till date is the making of the Kashmiri Pashmina shawl. These shawls are exceptionally warm, lightweight, fine, beautiful and timeless. It was the Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, which became the obsession of ancient European royalty in the 18th century. Europeans, especially the queens, noblewomen and affluent among them were the ones to invest in hundreds of shawls at once. 

If invested in a pure Cashmere scarf, the same last for a lifetime. No doubt in the ancient time's women gave their own shawls to their newlywed daughters, the masterpiece looked grand and immensely elegant. 

Also read: What is a Sozni shawl?

The ancient art of fabric painting has started to become an essential pattern in Pashmina's making. Being widespread in the northern and western regions, we too adopted Kalamkari work in our certified collections.

India's rich artistic legacy is exemplified by the exquisite craftsmanship and ageless tradition found in kamandkari shawls. These intricately designed shawls, which are handmade or block-printed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana using natural dyes, are influenced by mythology, the natural world, and folklore. Crafted by skilled artisans who have refined their techniques over several generations, each piece tells a story. Kalamkari shawls are more than just a fashion statement; with their vivid colors and intricate designs, they are works of wearable art that capture the spirit of Indian culture and artistic genius.

Pashmina shawls have been a savior for the locals ever since these luxury wraps got an introduction in the valley for the first time. Other than being the greatest rescuer when the valley was at its coldest, Pashmina shawls were an investment. In fact, people would sell off pieces of these shawls during a financial need. Hence, Pashmina shawls are more than fashion accessories and receive greatly reverence by the older generation. And if you have grown up listening to stories about your grandmother's heirloom shawl passing through generations, it is definitely a Pashmina shawl.

The purpose of raw Cashmere wool being handwoven to make luxury Pashmina shawls was initially to keep one warm. It was a Sufi saint and traveler, who visited Kashmir. He discovered Cashmere wool in Ladakh, growing over the underbelly of an exotic goat. He ordered workers to craft a pair of socks out of it for the then king; the king found the socks immensely warm and comfortable.

But as time passed, Pashmina became more unaffordable for commoners. Now, it was a fashion accessory for the affluent. And as a fashion accessory, it had to adhere to certain rules. These rules included being appropriate for all ages and adapting every design. Thread embroideries of certain types, printed Pashmina shawls, shawls with laces, and monochrome shawls came into existence. Pashmina seamlessly adopted these very well, looking as elegant in one as in the other. One of the exceptionally exquisite patterns in Pashmina shawls is the kalamkari pattern.

What is Kalamkari?

Indian calligraphy, or kalamkari, is a traditional art style that uses natural dyes and hand painting or block printing on cloth to create beautiful designs. Because of the painstaking hand sketching process required to create these exquisite sculptures, the word "Kalamkari" is derived from the Persian words "kalam," which means pen, and "kari," which means craftsmanship. Kalamkari art has its roots in the religious and cultural customs of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions of India. It frequently includes representations of nature, animals, and holy characters in addition to themes from Hindu epics.

A bamboo or tamarind pen is used to draw the outlines, and natural dyes made from plants, roots, and minerals are used to fill in the colors. The laborious procedure entails several processes. The cloth is treated with cow dung and milk.

Beyond its use as ornamental art, kalamkari represents a rich cultural legacy that has been handed down through the ages. Under the Mughal rulers' patronage, the art flourished and ultimately achieved prominence in European marketplaces through trade. Nowadays, kalamkari is utilized to create a variety of goods, such as tablecloths and wall hangings for home décor in addition to sarees and shawls. Because of the artisan's expertise and the cultural histories they aim to maintain, each piece of Kalamkari work is unique. Known for its intricate workmanship, stunning natural surroundings, and cultural value, Kalamkari survives despite the difficulties presented by contemporary mass production.

In other way, the word Kalamkari comes from two different words 'Kalam' meaning 'Pen', and 'Kari' meaning 'work'. Hence Kalamkari literally means the work of the pen. A kalamkari is an art form, which includes drawing with a pen on fabric with hands; using a brush and a few natural dyes. Also, Kalamkari art is common in Isfahan (Iran). They use plant-based paints and dyes, and a naturally made bamboo brush, and handcraft brilliant motifs over the shawls. These shawls last long for generations to cherish.

History of Kalamkari

It is 3000 B.C when historians believe the art of Kalamkari dates back to. Archeologists too have dug up certain sites of Mohenjo Daro and found kalamkari patterns of some fabric rags. Some believe that in the 13th century, a group of artists travelled to teach pupils Hindu mythology. To do so, they would paint large pieces of canvas with vegetable dyes, and paint made from plant extracts. This was the first time that Kalamkari was done. Later, artisans used the art to make wall hangings to decorate temples and other religious places for Hindus.

The almost 3,000-year-old Kalamkari art heritage is intricately entwined with the history of Kalamkari shawls. Hindu epics and religious storylines were depicted in this age-old art form from its inception in the southeast Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The art form first took shape in temple towns, when artisans known as Chitrakars would paint enormous panels with scenes from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and other legendary stories. These panels were utilized as backdrops for religious performances or to decorate the walls of temples. This tradition was distinguished by the use of natural dyes and painstaking hand-painting processes, where each work showcased the artist's talent and dedication.

Kalamkari art gained a great deal of attention and developed into a more intricate and sophisticated technique during the Mughal dynasty. Shawls and other textiles started to be adorned with elaborate designs and patterns as a result of the Mughal monarchs' encouragement of the arts' growth and admiration for artistry. Since they frequently combined traditional Indian components with Persian art-inspired flower patterns, vines, and other motifs, Kalamkari shawls have become widely prized for their superb craftsmanship and complex symbolism. These shawls were status symbols as much as articles of apparel, signifying the wearer's affluence and taste in fine art. The skill also became well-known throughout the world when Indian traders sent Kalamkari textiles—including shawls—to European marketplaces, where their beauty and individuality made them extremely valuable.

Because of mass-produced textiles and industrialization, Kalamkari shawls lost their appeal in the 19th and 20th centuries. But in the late 20th century, the craft saw a renaissance because to the work of craftspeople, cultural preservationists, and government programs that promoted the revival of traditional crafts. These days, Kalamkari shawls are prized for their symbolic meaning and cultural importance, representing India's rich artistic legacy. To ensure that this age-old art form is still relevant in the modern world, current Kalamkari artisans innovate with new designs and motifs while adhering to traditional procedures. Today, the shawls are prized for being a special representation of India's ongoing inventiveness as well as a link to its historical past.

Kalamkari under Islamic Rule

Kalamkari art flourished and underwent major modification under Islamic control, especially during the Mughal era. When Islamic kings arrived in India, they brought with them fresh cultural influences that merged with pre-existing customs, resulting in the development of an original creative style. Recognized for their support of the arts, the Mughals acknowledged the delicate beauty of Kalamkari and worked to further its growth. The themes and motifs employed in Kalamkari underwent a change at this time, with the conventional representations of Hindu mythology being accompanied by distinctly Persian-inspired designs, including geometric shapes, arabesques, and elaborate flower patterns. A harmonic fusion of Islamic and Hindu creative traditions could be seen in the workmanship, signifying the syncretic culture that typified much of India during the Islamic era.

The art saw more modification and reached its zenith in the medieval Islamic rule. This was under the Golconda rule (Golconda Nizams rule). It was the Mughals who played a vital role in encouraging the development of the Kalamkari art. People called the artisans. who learned and practiced Kalamari, as Kalamkars, and this is how the name 'Kalamkari' emerged. Before this time, Kalamkari was called Pattachitra, ('Patta' meaning 'Cloth', and 'Chitra' meaning 'Picture'). Now Kalamkari received a high influence of Persian art under Islamic rule. It was the period when this art form was at its peak.

During this time, textiles tailored to the preferences of the Mughal royalty were produced by "kalamkars," or Kalamkari artists. These comprised intricate prayer rugs, wall hangings, and, most prominently, sophisticatedly designed shawls. Though the color pallet broadened to incorporate more sophisticated and subdued tones preferred by the Mughal court, the use of natural dyes remained a fundamental component of the trade. Additionally, the Mughal influence promoted a more sophisticated and meticulous approach to Kalamkari, with craftsmen focusing more on the accuracy and delicacy of their work. The resultant textiles not only served as useful items but also as artistic creations that showcased the opulent way of life and refined taste of the Mughal aristocracy.

The international reputation of Kalamkari also began during the Mughal era, when Indian textiles—including those produced with Kalamkari techniques—became highly prized trade items. Due to the extraordinary quality and distinctive designs of these fabrics, merchants from Europe and the Middle East became interested in them, creating a thriving export business. European purchasers took a particular interest in kalamkari shawls because of their exotic beauty and fine craftsmanship. Thus, the Kalamkari art evolved during this period of Islamic governance, becoming a worldwide known form of artistic expression rather than a strictly religious and local trade. This era's influence may still be seen today, as contemporary Kalamkari continues to be influenced by the diverse range of cultures that shaped its history.

Also read: Kashmir - The state famous for Pashmina Craft

Kalamkari work is of two different types

Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam are the two main types of Kalamkari art, each having its own distinctive traits and methods.

Srikalahasti Style

Named after the Andhra Pradesh town of Srikalahasti, this style is completely hand-drawn using a pen-like instrument called a "kalam," which is how it is drawn. Often featuring scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as other mythological themes, the Srikalahasti style is renowned for its narrative-driven designs. Natural dyes are used to fill in the detailed patterns and figures that are hand-drawn during the labor-intensive procedure. Characteristics of this style include the use of earthy tones and the emphasis on religious and mythological themes. A priceless example of traditional Indian art, Srikalahasti Kalamkari is widely regarded for its accuracy and creative expression.

Srikalahasti style is actually the detailed hand painting over a shawl. This method uses a brush made from bamboo, and dyes extracted from plants, completely non-chemical. It is produced in a place which is called Srikalahasti in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This style of art has been registered as one of the geographical indications (GI) from Andhra Pradesh, under the handicraft goods, by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Characteristics of Srikalahasti style

The Srikalahasti style of Kalamkari is distinguished from other textile art styles by a number of unique characteristics, including:

1. Designs Completely Hand-Drawn: Srikalahasti Kalamkari is completely hand-drawn, in contrast to other Kalamkari forms that could make use of block printing. Artists painstakingly draw intricate designs and figures straight into the fabric using a "kalam," or pen, fashioned from bamboo or tamarind twigs.
2. Stance of Mythology: The style in question is recognized for its portrayal of narrative sequences from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as stories from the Puranas. These scenes are linked to mythological and religious themes. The artwork has great spiritual and cultural significance because the designs usually feature deities, mythological figures, and religious symbols.
3. Natural Dyes: Only natural dyes made from different plants, roots, minerals, and other organic sources are used in the Srikalahasti style. Earthy reds, browns, indigos, and blacks are typical hues, which are laboriously and delicately applied to the cloth.
4. Exquisite Detailing: Srikalahasti Kalamkari's hand-drawn style makes for extraordinarily elaborate and detailed designs. The intricate borders, delicate lines, and realistic depictions of people and scenes are typical of the intricate designs, which highlight the artisan's dexterity and expertise.
5. Work-Intensive Process: The process of making a piece of Srikalahasti Kalamkari is labor-intensive and takes various steps, such as treating the fabric with natural substances like milk and cow dung, drawing the designs, adding the dyes, and washing and drying it several times. This drawn-out procedure guarantees that every piece is exceptional and unique.
6. Natural Themes and Earthy Toned Paintings: Srikalahasti Kalamkari's main style is traditional, emphasizing earthy tones. Not only is the art a decorative form but it also serves as a vehicle for religious expression and narrative since it frequently reflects the cultural and spiritual ethos of the area.

The Machilipatnam Style

The Machilipatnam Style, so named after the Andhra Pradesh town of Machilipatnam, is renowned for its block-printing method. Machilipatnam Kalamkari, in contrast to Srikalahasti, entails carving elaborate patterns onto wooden blocks, which are subsequently soaked in natural dyes and pressed onto fabric. Larger amounts of cloth can be produced with this process since it produces more consistent and repeating patterns. Islamic art has had a historical effect on Machilipatnam Kalamkari designs, which frequently incorporate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Persian-inspired features. Sarees, dupattas, and home décor items are frequently made in the brilliant colors and intricate patterns of the Machilipatnam style.

Machilipatnam style means when artisans block paint the fabric. Artists specializing in this method use vegetable dyes.  They apply the dyes to the fabric with the help of wooden blocks. Also called Pedana Kalamkari, artisans carry it out at Pedana. Pedana is a town in the Machilipatnam area of Andhra Pradesh, India. This style evolved during the Mughal rule and the Golconda Sultanate patronized it. Artisans painted Wall hangings, clothing, large fabrics in the Pedana style of Kalamkari. As a matter of fact, a wall hanging from the 15th Century AD is still being displayed in Victoria Museum, London.

Characteristics of The Machilipatnam Style

The following are the salient features of Kalamkari's Machilipatnam style in points:

1. Block-Printing Technique: This method creates repeating, consistent patterns on cloth by stamping designs onto carved wooden blocks.
2. Detailed Patterns: Contains intricate and detailed designs, such as geometric shapes, vines, and floral motifs.
3. Persian and Mughal Influence: Islamic cultural features are reflected in designs through the influence of Persian and Mughal art.
4. Bright Color Palette: Made using strong, contrasting hues from natural dyes, such as deep reds, indigos, greens, and blacks.
5. Layered hues: This technique applies several blocks of various hues to produce an effect that is multi-dimensional.
6. Natural Dyes: For vibrant, long-lasting colors, use dyes derived from natural sources including plants, roots, and minerals.
7. Durability: The cloth is washed and treated several times to ensure that the colors are deeply absorbed and that it is long-lasting.
8. Wide Range: A wide range of products are available, including sarees, dupattas, wall hangings, and other home decor items.
9. Mass Production: The block-printing technology is appropriate for creating vast quantities of textiles.

Process of Kalamkari art

Kalamkari art is a painstaking and multi-step process that combines creative skill and traditional techniques. Here's a summary of the process:

Fabric Preparation: The process begins with preparing the fabric, which is commonly cotton or silk. To eliminate any starch, oil, or other contaminants, the fabric is first washed in a water-cow dung mixture. This is followed by a treatment with a solution of buffalo milk and myrobalan (a tannin-rich berry) to ensure the fabric is ready to absorb natural dyes. Workers use bamboo or date palm stick pens primarily to craft intricate and highly delicate details. As far as dyes are concerned, workers use various roots, seeds, plant leaves, crushed flowers to extract them. The colours chosen then are usually bright and brilliant. Artisans often choose red, yellow, green, blue in their vivid shades to craft a Kalamkari shawl.

Sketching the Design: After preparing the fabric, the artist freehand paints the contours of the design with a bamboo or tamarind pen dipped in a black dye produced from fermented jaggery (an unrefined sugar) and iron filings. This first draft serves as the foundation for the entire piece, outlining the arrangement and design aspects.

Natural Dye Application: After completing the outline, the artist begins filling in the design with natural dyes. Each color is applied one at a time, frequently beginning with lighter colors and progressing to darker ones. Natural colors are used, such as madder root for red, pomegranate peel for yellow, and indigo for blue.

Following each dye application, the fabric is treated to set the color, which commonly includes washing, drying, and boiling.

Color Fixation: Specific methods are used to ensure that the dyed cloth's colors are permanently set in the fabric. For example, after applying red dye, the fabric could be boiled with alizarin (a natural dye) to increase the color's vitality. Each color has its unique way of fixation, which includes a variety of natural chemicals and processes.

Washing and Drying: Once the design is finished and all colors have been applied, the fabric is washed multiple times to remove excess dye and fix the colors. The fabric is then sun-dried to brighten and set the colors even further.

Final Touches: Any last nuances or extra colors are added to the fabric after it has been cleaned and dried. Sometimes, to improve the pattern, further embellishments like gold or silver accents are applied. After that, the finished item is ironed and prepared for usage as a shawl, a piece of home décor, or a clothing.

Depending on the design's complexity and color scheme, the full process may take a few days to a few weeks. The endurance and superior quality of Kalamkari art depend on each phase, which is why it is a highly esteemed and revered craft.

The Introduction of contemporary methods in Kalamkari art

Modern techniques and sensitivities are combined with traditional craftsmanship in Kalamkari art through the adoption of current approaches. By keeping its cultural legacy intact and adjusting it to modern trends, this evolution has increased Kalamkari's significance and reach. This is a summary of how modern techniques have been incorporated into Kalamkari art:

Modern Kalamkari artists are experimenting with fresh design patterns and styles that fuse traditional themes with contemporary aesthetics. This entails utilizing geometric patterns, abstract patterns, and avant-garde color palettes that satisfy vogue and interior design inclinations.

Digital Printing: Digital technology is now present in Kalamkari, especially in the form of digital prints that accurately reproduce traditional designs. This technique satisfies contemporary market demands while maintaining the essential elements of traditional motifs through faster production and more consistent patterns.

Novel Textiles: Modern Kalamkari artists explore with a range of materials other than the conventional cotton and silk, such as synthetics and mixes. The range of uses for Kalamkari is expanded by this exploration, extending beyond home décor and fashion accessories.

Merged Designs: Modern Kalamkari combines modern and international design elements with traditional motifs, patterns, and themes. The result of this mix is distinctive, hybrid designs that blend well with modern fashion and décor while appealing to a wider audience.

New Methods: In addition to more conventional approaches, modern artists are experimenting with new tools and techniques. More intricate and varied patterns are possible thanks to these advancements, which also expedite the process.

Sustainable ways: In Kalamkari art today, there's a rising focus on sustainability. In keeping with the worldwide trends toward environmental responsibility. Artists and producers are embracing eco-friendly techniques, such as employing sustainable textiles and organic dyes.

Partnerships and Cross-Disciplinary Work: To create cutting-edge goods and applications, contemporary Kalamkari artists frequently work in tandem with designers, architects, and other creatives. By using a cross-disciplinary approach, Kalamkari art now used in more fields, including modern fashion and interior design.

Integration of Artisanal and Industrial Production: Modern approaches occasionally combine industrial production with artisanal practices. Scaled-up production uses modern technology to satisfy larger market demands, while traditional methods are maintained for handcrafted or high-end goods.

By preserving its rich history while guaranteeing Kalamkari art's relevance and attractiveness in the modern global market. These modern techniques have revitalized the art form. Artists keep this old skill alive and dynamic by celebrating it and evolving it with modern ideas and techniques.

Motifs used in Kalamkari Art

Rich and detailed motifs, which capture the breadth of Indian cultural and creative traditions, are the hallmark of kalamkari shawls. These shawls' common designs, frequently inspired by historical accounts, natural phenomena, and Hindu mythology. Extensive representations of gods and goddesses, including Durga, Krishna, and Vishnu, are a feature of traditional designs. These figures, frequently shown in animated and expressive stances. Popular mythological sequences with dramatic occurrences and divine characters thus found in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The stories' essence, captured by these painstakingly hand-painted or block-printed designs. Also, give the shawls a deeper cultural and spiritual meaning.

Before modernity influenced every realm of life, Kalamkari shawls featured motifs related to religion. Paintings of Hindu deities, some well-known mythological creatures, and symbols, scenes from famous folklores. Also, classics from Hindu Scriptures are the inspirations that artisans draw to make patterns. Contemporary patterns include flowers, peacocks, large paisleys, animal motifs, and even geometrical designs.

Kalamkari shawls often have geometric and floral motifs in addition to religious and mythological themes. These patterns, frequently influenced by Persian and Mughal art elements absorbed into the craft over ages. These themes, used in a way that harmonizes heritage with artistic expression, in addition to adding visual attractiveness. Every Kalamkari shawl, a wearable work of art that celebrates India's rich cultural legacy. It displays the artistry and ability of the craftspeople via its distinctive blend of themes and patterns.

What are Kalamkari Pashmina Shawls?

When it comes to Pashmina shawls, artisans from Kashmir too imbibed this beautiful craft in pure Pashmina shawls. After painting Pashmina shawls with Kalamkari, artisans here hand embroider around the motifs in black. This is another step, in addition to the exquisite steps of Kalamkari. After artisans hand-paint motifs onto the surface of the shawl, they choose a matching. This too takes a lot of time, as Kashmiri Sozni Kars (artisans specializing in Sozni Kari). Thus, give attention to each detail and each motif closely. The final result of a Kalamka.ri and Sozni rendezvous is simply beyond comparison.

Also read: Pashmina belongs to the Clan of Originality

Styles to wear a Kalamkari shawl

Kalamkari shawls carry a detailed, intricate design. These feature magnificent art and flaunt-worthy motifs all over the base. Hence the styles to wear them usually include those where the base is pretty visible. Here are a few styles to wear a handmade Kalamkari Pashmina shawl

• Place it on your shoulders like a wrap, and bring the two sides to the front. This way the pattern on the shawl can be visible from two sides. 
• Wear the shawl like a dupatta so that the patterns on the centre keep your front body covered, in a warm and elegant embrace.
• Let the shawl drape over one shoulder, thus showcasing its entirety, both from the front and back. 
• Let the shawl drape loose from your forearm as if you are not wearing it or are planning to wear it later. 
• Wrapping the shawl around your body, too, makes sure to flaunt this luxury piece to the onlookers. 

Washing, Drying, Ironing and Storing a Kalamkari shawl

Kalamkari Pashmina shawl is a delicate accessory. Hence one should wash it gently. The process of washing the Kalamkari shawl has to be extremely careful. The colours thus natural, and hence should not be lost with vigorous washing. Kalamkari shawls should not be exposed to much sunlight, lest the colors fade. 

Washing: Kalamkari shawls, best washed in Cashmere shampoos or Pashmina shampoos because these are delicate. Add Pashmina shampoo to lukewarm water, and soak your Kalamkari shawl in it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove soap water with your hands by gently squeezing the shawl between your hands. 

Drying: Do not wring the shawl. Dry the shawl in shade, and not in direct sunlight. 

Ironing: Ironing a Kalamkari shawl shouldn't be done directly. There should be a cotton cloth placed in between, or simply a steam iron should be used.  

Storing: Store the shawl in a dry, moisture-free place. Keep mothballs along to stop any infestations. Wrap the shawl in a muslin cloth or paper wrapping. Avoid plastic at all costs.

Handwashing a Kalamkari Pashmina, considered a better option against dry cleaning. Taking proper care of your shawl will increase its life, and it will be a companion for generations to come.

Pashmina shawls and Pashmina.com

Be it Kalamkari Pashmina shawls, hand-embroidered shawls, Printed Pashmina, Laced Pashmina shawls, Kani shawls, or other categories of Pashmina, we master each assortment in terms of variety, patterns, and elegance. Each piece from our classic collections is unique, and exclusive, with features that are unparalleled. Our artisans take months or even years together to perfect each piece. From the time when Cashmere acquired from Ladakh in Spring to its sale in winter. Each step is carefully and meticulously carried out, and how we end up with pure, authentic, and the best quality Pashmina shawls. 

Sustainability and Pashmina.com

Ethical production, sustainability, and fair trade are the core values at Pashmina.com. Be it Kalamkari shawls, Kani shawls, or Hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls, every single piece from our assortment repels cruelty to animals or the planet as a whole. The shawls, ethically acquired from Ladakh, where their raw material is grown over the underbelly of a goat. The goat naturally sheds a portion of the wool; gently combed off (and not sheared or plucked off) its body. 

The wool, called Cashmere, not sent for spinning to convert it into yarn. Yarn is handwoven using traditional handloom and manual techniques to transform fine yarn into luxury shawls. The shawls still plain, which are hand-painted in the realms of Kalamkari (when handcrafting a Kalamkari shawl). Later these hand embroidered in the realms of Sozni embroidery. This leads to the completion of a Pashmina shawl. Thus, sold in the market for the patrons of the art to cherish. 

Also read: What is a Sozni shawl?

From the time of traditions to the time of the contemporary age, Pashmina Art has been cherished endlessly. The marvellous designs in the Art of Pashmina are explicit. The crafting of the finest Cashmere from Ladakh is the Art of Pashmina. Therefore, finest Cashmere defines the name of Pashmina Art in numerous ways. In addition, several styles are curated to cherish the moments of skill of the artisans. There are diverse designs that are exuberant and intricate. The valley of Kashmir recites the luxury of Pashmina Art in its heritage poems. Pashmina Art is blessed with diverse designs. Based on embroideries, patterns, prints and Weaves, there are many designs. One among the opulent design is the supreme Kani Weave. Before going on the journey of crafting the Kani Weave Pashmina, there needs to be the mention of exquisite procurement of finest Cashmere.

The Procurement of fine Cashmere for Kani Weave Pashmina

The Changhthanghi mountain in the Ladakh region is the high altitude plateau. The climate changes in every sphere of the world. Likewise, the region gets up to -20°C in the winter season. Some species and breeds adapted to the harsh climate by coping with the cold. A rare breed of Goats called Changra goats dwells in the feet of Changhthanghi Mountain. They are medium-sized goats with two horns that are twisted. To combat the harsh winters, the Changra Goats develop an undercoat of thick wool. The wool is grown especially under the belly, behind the ears and on the neck region. The wool is thick and soft. Eventually, when seasons change, the goats lose their wool against rocks and trees. Thus, getting the fresh air of summer. The wool is also manually combed out by the Changpa herders. This wool is called Cashmere wool.

Cashmere wool is procured from several breeds of goats. Mongolian breed, luliang breed, Xinghing breed, Australian breed, Changhthanghi or Ladakh breed, etc. Among all the breeds, the finest Cashmere is procured from Changra Goats of Ladakh. Although, the amount of production is almost 1% of the total production of Cashmere from all the breeds. That is why Changhthanghi Cashmere is the finest and most expensive due to low production. Also, the extensive and high-quality procurement makes it the finest Cashmere with a luxurious aura.

Further, Pashmina Art comes into existence

The small packets that are packed in the Ladakh region are transferred to the Valley of Kashmir. The tufts of wool are cleaned and soaked. All the dust and grime is taken out. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool tufts are dried in sunlight to preserve the quality of genuineness. It is to be noted that Pashmina Art begins as soon as the cleaning process starts.

The fine Cashmere wool is distributed to the households of the Valley for the next process called Spinning. The process of Spinning is the translation of fine Cashmere wool to high-quality Cashmere yarn. After reaching the households, the women artisans of the valley work upon a wooden wheel called yinder. The wooden wheel is the medium by which the fine Cashmere wool is translated to premium Cashmere yarn. Women work enthusiastically on the process. With the folklore and folk songs of the Valley, women meticulously craft the Cashmere yarn of supremacy.

Simple Weaving in Pashmina Art

The fine Cashmere yarn is crafted to the fine Cashmere fabric in the local workshops or karkhanas. The unique installation of handlooms used for the next process is set up with serenity. Handlooms are looms made of forest wood. They are many worked upon by the artisans to present the world with Cashmere fabric. Therefore, the whole process of translating Cashmere yarn to fine Cashmere fabric is called Weaving. Weaving is mainly done by the male artisans of the Valley. It is precisely done in the space of karkhanas by highly skilled artisans.

Kani Weave in Pashmina Art

The Kani Weave in Pashmina was originated in the era of 3000 B.C. Mughals have been into its intricate designs and exquisite presence from that century of time. The Kani word belongs to the dialect of the Kashmiri language where it has roots in the place of Kanihama, Ganderbal. Moreover, the name also belongs to the meaning of small twig-like sticks. They are called Kanis in the local language Kashmiri.

After the procurement of the finest Cashmere, spinning, and weaving occurs. The weaving of Kani Pashmina is not the simple weaving usually done in Pashmina Art. It is the most intricate weave that is done with the help of Kanis/ small twigs. Thus, creating a marvellous design on the finest Cashmere base. Before commencing the weaving, the Pashmina Shawls are given a specific pattern on graph paper unlike other styles of shawls where the patterns are imprinted in the base of the shawl itself. For each pattern known as, “Taleem”, the codes are written on the graph paper are given by local people.  The artisans read and understand the codes and start the weaving process with precision.

Also read: WHAT IS THE KANI SHAWL MADE OF?

Kani Weave Commences

The weaving begins by whirling the colourful threads around the Kanis making small spindles. The artisans skillfully do the weave with their hands. They work upon the handloom by using their hands by moving their spindles of threads accordingly. A particular number of Kanis are used for the weaving of one Kani shawl. Around 70 to 100 Kanis are used up for the design of one Kani Pashmina Shawl. The whole process is done mainly in the local workshops/Karkhanas.

Also, the arrangement of the Kanis on the shawls and the high skill of artisans perform meticulously to create the intricate designs. The weaving is done gradually and when a different colour or shade is required as per the Taleem, two Kanis are used together. Likewise, the process continues with diligence until the Kani Shawl is prepared.

Exquisite Pashmina Art Collection

We, at Pashmina.com, prefer the boundaries of Kashmir Valley. Within the culture and tradition, live the enchanted skilled artisans. Thus, they meticulously craft the finest Cashmere to several exquisite accessories of elegance. The artisans craft the accessories with diligence and precision. Also, the high-quality fine Cashmere is cherished with elegance and thus crafted to the Pashmina Art collection. Every masterpiece is worthy of a luxurious presence.

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWL | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

It's not just magicians who perform magic with colourful scarves. Many of us can do magic with these versatile accessories too. Celebrities around us have already been doing so. For example, contrasting an all-black look with a yellow scarf, or enlivening a basic look with a scarf full of colours. Tying a scarf on the head is the newest way of wearing it. It looks amazing, as well as serves some secret purposes. If you have a bad hair day, or you ruin your hairstyle somehow, this super accessory can hide it with ease and style. 

Even though scarves are available in different styles and fabrics, our favorite remains the Pashmina scarf from Kashmir. Pashmina scarves are timeless, graceful and exceptionally comfortable to wear. They have been so since the 16th century when their raw material was discovered in Ladakh. 

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxury shawls and scarves from fine Cashmere wool. This wool comes from a rare Ladakhi goat, which grows it in winters to protect itself and survive a temperature of -40 degrees. As summer arrives, the goat naturally sheds this wool, which is carried by herders. This wool is cleaned, spun, handwoven and transformed into heavenly soft, warm and beautiful scarves or shawls. These are the world-famous Pashmina shawls. 

How to tie a Pashmina scarf on the head?

While there are hundreds of styles of wearing a Pashmina scarf, wearing it on your head makes it the first thing that people notice. And it's not because of its sheer grace, but the breathtaking colours it has managed to acquire. From pastels, nudes to warm brights, and rainbow colours, Pashmina scarves have it all.

Tying a scarf on your head can be a stylish and practical way to accessorize your outfit as well as protect your hair. There are numerous ways to tie a scarf on your head, depending on the look you want to achieve. Here are a few popular methods which make wearing a scarf fun as well as useful

The Bow Style

• Fold the scarf once lengthwise
• Place the centre on your hairline, such that the two sides should be equally falling from two opposite sides.
• Tie these ends into a knot
• Make a bow out of these ends
• The bow can be slightly pulled on the sides or the back, however you like it. 

The Crown Style

• Fold the scarf lengthwise
• Put the centre along the hairline, such that the two ends are equal
• Tie these ends at the back
• Bring these to the front over your shoulders
• Twist these individually
• Place these twisted ends over the crown of your head
• Tuck these ends finally at the beginning of the twist

Side Tail

• Place the edge of the scarf along the hairline such that the two opposite ends of the scarf are equally hanging 
• Bring these ends to the nape of the neck (as we do in a low ponytail) and tie a knot
• Throw them now over the shoulders to the front, and loosely twist them
• Bring them one by one towards your head, and tie them where you want your ponytail to be
• Wrap the two ends around each other and pin one end there.
• Let the other end fall freely like a tail. 

Little Pony Tail

• Place the centre of the scarf edge over the hairline 
• Bring the edges towards the ear and tie a scrunchy
• Pull half the scarf through the scrunchy, and twist it.
• Bunch it together, correct its position properly, and you are ready to go.

Bun Style

• Centre your scarf over one of the ears. 
• Coil or twist the sides, simultaneously making a bun out of them
• Keep twisting till you reach the ends of the scarf
• Set the bun properly, adjust its position.
• You can give the fine finishing touches of a large brooch by placing the same at the centre of this bun

The Hijab Style

• Place your pashmina scarf over the head 
• Slide the right end over the left shoulder and the left end over the right.
• Adjust the sides properly
• You can pin the scarf at appropriate points to hold it in place.

Also read: 9 Luxury Pashmina Headscarves in Signature Styles

Turban Style 

• The turban style of wearing a scarf leaves the neck open and covers the head only.
• To tie your Pashmina as a turban, simply place the centre on the nape of your neck
• Bring the two ends towards the hairline and tie a large knot. This is the easiest form of wearing a turban style scarf
• Another form of turban style covers the entire head. For this, fold the scarf in half and lower it to the nape of your neck, covering ears
• Bring the two ends forward and tie a knot. 
• Tuck the sides into the band covering the head around backwards, so that the hair is covered. 
• Adjust the position to comfortable, and you are set to slay the occasion.

Also read: How to wear a Pashmina Scarf with a Formal Dress?

Keep in mind to position and adjust the scarf for the desired style and tightness. To create distinctive appearances that complement your individual style and wardrobe, try with various scarf sizes, materials, and patterns. Don't be scared to experiment with several methods until you find the one that works best for you because practise makes perfect.

Types of Pashmina Scarves

Based on the type of scarf, one can have as many choices of wearing scarves on their head, as are possible. Here are the different types of Pashmina scarves that artisans craft for a blissful winter experience.

Hand Embroidered Pashmina Scarves:

Hand Embroidered Scarves tend to be heavy. Hence if one wants to wear an full embroidery scarf in a bun style or a turban style, the scarf would look huge. Instead, with a heavy embroidered scarf, place the scarf on your head half way (almost on the crown) and secure the same with a pin. This way, the weight of the embroidery would not affect your comfort, and you will be able to carry the embroidered scarf easily.

Kani Weave Pashmina scarves

The exquisite softness and warmth of Cashmere are combined with the intricate skill of Kani weaving to create opulent and beautifully woven Kani Pashmina scarves. These scarves are handwoven by utmostly skilled artisans, using vintage wooden looms and time-honored methods. Kani weave scarves are usually heavy worked, and hence might make one uncomfortable if placed on head. Hence it is better to invest in a Kani Pashmina scarf with a Palldaar patterns, so that the main body of the scarf remains solid and easy to wrap over the head.

Reversible Pashmina Scarves

A chic and functional approach to accessorize your style is by donning a reversible scarf around your head. By simply flipping the scarf to expose the other side, the reversible function enables you to create many combinations and designs. Reversible scarves in Pashmina, if not embroidered can be great for covering the head and hence ideal for winters and other colder days in Spring or Fall. Create distinctive appearances that complement your attire and mood, get inventive and experiment with various knots, twists, and draping techniques.

Solid Pashmina Scarves

A solid Pashmina scarf offers endless possibilities for stylish and versatile looks. Solid Pashmina scarves are the easiest to cover your hair with and is a perfect head scarf when it comes to winters. The softness of Cashmere allows the scarf to stay freely on the head. Solid Pashmina scarves are versatile accessories that can elevate any outfit. Never be afraid experiment and have fun with uniquely styles that you yourself create!

The natural fibres around the world are of exquisite quality. The uniqueness and luxury of Cashmere are up to the highest mark. The warmth, style poured by the Cashmere onto the wearer mesmerizes the fashion world with luxurious fashion. The thin, soft exquisitely finest fibre is the Cashmere fibre. The serenity touched with the meticulous Cashmere gives rise to diverse accessories of fashion. The valley of Kashmir plays an enigmatic role in the tale. Hence, the curation of the finest Cashmere into luxurious accessories is the Art of Pashmina. Therefore, Art is the bountiful gift of the Kashmir valley.

From the Changhthanghi plateau

The Changhthanghi plateau is a high-altitude region. The minimum temperature goes more than to minus 20°C in winters. The rarest breed of goats called the Changra goats dwells in the feet of the mountain Changhthanghi. In the harsh winters, the Changra goats meticulously develop a thick layer of wool on their bodies. Thus, to overcome the cold. With the changing of seasons, the Changra goats shed off the thick wool by rubbing against rocks and trees to comfort the heat of summer. Also, its manually done by the Changpa tribe who are the herders of the Changra goats. They manually comb the thick wool out. The wool is called Cashmere wool.

Afterwards, the wool is sorted into packets and transferred to the Kashmir Valley. From now on, the procedures in the Art of Pashmina befalls upon the dainty wool. Hence, the commencement of Pashmina Art begins. The proper cleaning, drying, and brushing out the dirt and dust from the finest wool is done manually. Afterwards, the finest wool is spun into yarn by the process of Spinning. The spinning is mostly done by the women of the Valley. The highly skilled and patient women spun the wool to magical yarn. Therefore, the yarn goes to the looms for the process of weaving. The weaving process is done by the highly skilled artisans on the handloom made of forest wood.

Thus, the Cashmere wool is altogether converted to fine and soft Cashmere fabric by the Art of Pashmina. The fine Cashmere fabric is further worked upon by the skilled artisans to define the Pashmina Art prosperously. Hence, the diverse range of collections of Cashmere by the Art of Pashmina is exquisite due to the skill and heritage of the Kashmir valley.

Cashmere fibre is the finest fibre

Although, Cashmere is obtained from several breeds of Goats around the world. In the majority, the Cashmere producing goats are found in Mongolia, China, Nepal, Iran, etc. The distinct breeds like Malra breed, Liaoning breed, Licheng breed, Luliang breed, Tibetan breed, Changhthanghi breed, etc. In all the breeds, the Changhthanghi breed is the finest. It is up to 12 to 16 microns. While another breed produces coarser than the finest breed. It is the finest and most delicate fibre. That is why in Pashmina Art, Ladakhi Cashmere is always spun or woven manually.

Cashmere- From the rarest breed

The Changra goats or the Kashmir goats are the rarest. They are only found in the Changhthanghi plateau of the Ladakh region. The Changra goats are medium-sized, fluffy and mushy goats with twisted horns. They grow a thick pelage on their bodies in the harsh winters especially under the bellies, on the neck, and behind the ears. The same pelage is therefore crafted to get the finest Cashmere.

The Changra goats graze on green grass in the Changhthanghi region. Therefore, they are mainly raised by the tribe of Changpa for Cashmere production. They are also raised for meat production. It is the rarest breed as the Changra goats produce only 150 to 180 gms of Cashmere wool per year. The finest Cashmere wool belongs to the rarest Changra goats due to their minimal production of Cashmere wool per annum. Henceforth, the expensive and luxurious quality is predefined due to the rare production.

Embraced by the Pashmina Art

The Art of Pashmina commences as soon as the finest Cashmere reaches the valley of Kashmir. The several steps go on the journey of creativity. The path aided by the highly skilled artisans is divine. The packets of fine wool travel to the Valley from Ladakh. Thereafter, the fine wool is cleaned thoroughly and sorted. Afterwards, the cleaned fine wool is spun by the womenfolk of the valley diligently. Therefore, the miraculous Cashmere yarn comes into existence. The spinning process is done on the wooden wheel called yinder in the local language. The women patiently pick up the Cashmere wool and spin it on the wheel with the delicacy of skill. Thus, the finest Cashmere yarn is ready for the next process of weaving.

The weaving process starts as soon as the fine yarn reaches the handlooms of the valley. The handlooms craft the yarn into the finest fabric of Cashmere. The handlooms are worked upon by the highly skilled artisans by using hands and feet simultaneously to get the finished product of Cashmere. There are small local workshops for the weaving process called Karkhanas in the local language. The aura of the karkhanas has the music of tradition as well the smell of culture around. The artisans meticulously work together to bring the exquisite Cashmere. After all these basic processes the designing and dyeing processes commence. All the procedures are the steps of Pashmina Art.

Also read: THE TRANCE OF PASHMINA ART

Glorious Collection of Pashmina Art

We, at pashmina.com, cater to the huge and exquisite collection of Pashmina Art. The curation of finest Ladakhi Cashmere to several explicit accessories like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls is called the Pashmina Art. Our platform confers to all genders. The exquisite collection brings the joy of luxury to the wearer's face. The opulence brought by the highly skilled artisans caters to the fashion world with glamour. Ethically created from the rarest breed to form the finest Cashmere. Thus, worked upon by the Pashmina Art in the horizons of the heritage of the valley of Kashmir. Therefore, the finest Cashmere confers to the glamorous collection of accessories like Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls.

Also read: THE TRUE BEAUTY OF PASHMINA SHAWLS

Pashmina Art is the Crafting of the finest Cashmere. The finest Cashmere from the feet of the Changhthanghi mountains is obtained manually to preserve the premium quality. From the old ages to the contemporary age, the legacy of Pashmina Art is adored in every way of elegance. Moving with the dimensions of several Cashmere accessories, the supreme luxury is profound. The beauty of the unique heritage of Kashmir Valley is lived in the whole realm of horizons. In addition, the Cashmere accessories like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps and Pashmina Shawls are marvellous in their creation. Therefore, the legacy is preserved by the masters of the Pashmina Art. The artisans of the Kashmir Valley are lifelong masters of the craft.

The Announce of the finest Cashmere

The Changhthanghi Mountains of Ladakh are the coldest in winters. The harsh climate urges a rare breed of goats to develop thick wool on their bodies. The rare breed of goats is the Changra Goats. The Changra goats shed off the thick wool in summer to feel the freshness. The wool is also combed out by the herders of the Changpa tribe. The herders graze the Changra goats mainly for the production of wool. The wool is known as Cashmere wool. Also, the Ladakhi Cashmere wool is the finest of all Cashmere wool. There are several countries like Mongolia, Iran, and Tibet where there are Cashmere producing goats. The Changra breed of goats is the rarest species of Cashmere producing goats. Thus, these Changra Goats are medium-sized goats with two long twisted horns. The Changra goats are mainly grazed to procure Cashmere wool.

Several species of Goats produce Cashmere wool in abundance. The several breeds viz;  Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce the Cashmere wool that produces the warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats.

The Commencing of Pashmina Art

Pashmina Art starts as soon as the tufts of fine Cashmere wool reach the Valley of Kashmir. The process of cleaning is the first step of Pashmina Art. The next step is the drying of the cleaned Cashmere wool. After the cleaning and drying, the fine Cashmere wool is distributed to the households of the Kashmir Valley. The Cashmere wool is translated to the Cashmere yarn on the wooden wheel called yinder. The unique way of using a yinder is enhanced by the womenfolk. The whole process is called Spinning. It is mainly done by women artisans.

Further, the fine Cashmere yarn is crafted to the fine Cashmere fabric in the local workshops or karkhanas. The unique installation of handlooms used for the next process is set up with serenity. Handlooms are looms made of forest wood. They are many worked upon by the artisans to present the world with Cashmere fabric. Therefore, the whole process of translating Cashmere yarn to fine Cashmere fabric is called Weaving. Weaving is mainly done by the male artisans of the Valley. It is precisely done in the space of karkhanas by highly skilled artisans.

Diverse Styles of Pashmina Art

The diverse and distinct ways of Pashmina Art are determined by the handloom of the Valley. Thus, the dimensions of every masterpiece determine its faith in style. There are three main styles of Pashmina Art; Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls.

Exquisite Cashmere Scarves

Cashmere Scarves are the exquisite accessories that define serenity. The Cashmere scarves were given the requisite shades of colours, intricate weave, and embroidery by the skilled artisans are explicit. Therefore, their exquisite nature of them is well defined in the world of craft through Pashmina Art. Furthermore, the versatile Pashmina Art of the valley confers to the creation of the opulent Cashmere Scarves in the most ethical way. The two dimensions of them in the master collection are; 80in x 14in/2m x 35cm & 80in x 28in/2m x 70cm. The three unique designs are Ombre Scarves, Solid Scarves and Swarovski Crystals Scarves.

Also read: DO VEGANS WEAR CASHMERE SCARF?

Cashmere Wraps

Cashmere Wraps create an aura of exclusiveness and integrity. They are profuse in the luxury of premium creation as well as high-quality Ladakhi Cashmere. In addition, the opulence of the high-quality Cashmere is prefered by all the classes of fashion. Also, Cashmere wraps cater to men and women of every horizon. Being a stylized and elegant accessory, Cashmere Wraps prevail in every generation. From the contemporary style to the Old royalty, Cashmere Wraps have prolonged along with all generations. In addition, the size of a premium Wrap is 80in x 28in/2m x 70cm. There are diverse designs in the Cashmere Wraps.

Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina Shawls are the outer clothing of luxury. The elegance of Pashmina Shawls comes into play when the winter is cherished with the Pashmina shawls of luxurious craft. Also, the intricacy and the premium look of the Pashmina shawl confer upon a wearer with glory. Moreover, hand Crafted Pashmina Shawls can be worn over the shoulders, up around the upper body and sideways along the length. In all the styles of wearing, elegance remains enhanced in the sphere of fashion. In addition, the premium sizes are; 80in x 40in/2m x 1m
90in x 45in/2.2m x 1.1m & 110in x 55in/2.8m x 1.4m.

Pashmina Art dignified Collection

There are innumerable designs in the Collection of Pashmina Art. The unique definition of Pashmina Art is cherished in the sphere of Kashmir Valley. We, at pashmina.com, preserve the purity and authenticity of each masterpiece. We determine the value of heritage and culture in every weave, print or embroidery. Belonging to the artisans of the Kashmir Valley, the skill is enhanced by the regular crafting of Pashmina Art accessories. The supremely crafted finest Cashmere from Ladakh is varied with several processes. Thus, creating an aura and presence of high-quality premium Pashmina Art accessories. Having one of the masterpieces will clamour the name of the finest Cashmere in the presence of fashion. Therefore, the luxurious glory is retained in every masterpiece.

Also read: THE VOWS OF PASHMINA ART