Papier-mâché, which means “mashed paper” in French, arrived in Kashmir during the 14th and 15th centuries. Persian mystic Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani introduced the art, and King Zain-ul-Abidin, known as the Akbar of Kashmir, helped it flourish.
He welcomed skilled artisans from Persia and Central Asia, including master papier-mâché artists who brought the traditional pen-case making technique called kar-i-kalamdani. These artisans brought with them not only the method but also a tradition of elaborate ornamentation, turning paper pulp into decorative boxes, trays, and intricate panelling for palaces and shrines.
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King Zain-ul-Abidin, image courtesy - Kashmir Observer.
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Persian mystic Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, image courtesy - Wikipedia.
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Over time, Mughal emperors became patrons, commissioning papier-mâché artworks for a range of royal objects and interiors. The craft began to fuse Persian, Central Asian, and Kashmiri motifs, leaving a legacy visible in surviving artefacts and architecture.
The craft endured tumultuous times, including Afghan rule, the Sikh period, and the Dogra dynasty, each era adding its own unique flavour to traditional techniques. What's truly remarkable is how the artisan families preserved their knowledge, passing down the skill of paper preparation, moulding techniques, and painting styles from generation to generation.
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The Shah Hamdan mosque in Srinagar is a prime example of the papier-mache talent. Image courtesy - Google Arts.
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Traditional Papier-Mâché Techniques Across India
Kashmir: Kashmiri papier-mâché technique is a meticulous process that can take weeks or even months to complete a single piece:
Sakhtsazi (Mould Making): Artisans begin by soaking waste paper, cloth, and rice straw in water until the materials are transformed into pulp. They mix this pulp with a paste made from rice or copper sulphate to make it workable. The mixture is moulded around wooden forms or shaped by hand, layer by layer. Each layer must dry thoroughly before the next is added, which requires patience and care.
Naqashi (Painting): After the base is prepared and smoothed with sandpaper, the actual artistry starts. Traditional Kashmiri designs feature chinar leaves, Persian-inspired floral motifs known as "Gul," and intricate arabesque patterns. The colours are striking, with deep reds, emerald greens, royal blues, and shining gold making each piece stand out.
Finishing Techniques: Two main styles dominate Kashmiri papier-mâché:
Zer-i-Gul: Gold-on-gold work, where patterns are painted in gold atop a golden background
Naqashi: Colourful floral patterns on contrasting backgrounds, often featuring meticulous detail work that requires extraordinary skill.
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A papier-mache craft artisan from Kashmir, India. Image courtesy - IB Times India.
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Other Regional Techniques and Innovations
While Kashmir dominates the papier-mâché narrative, Karnataka and Goa have their own unique tradition, particularly in creating festival masks and decorative dolls. The technique here differs slightly; artisans often use a higher proportion of cloth in their pulp mixture, creating sturdier pieces suitable for folk theatre and religious processions.
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Papier-mache mask from Odisha. Image courtesy - Asia InCH.
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In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, papier-mâché has found a niche in creating temple decorations, festival figurines, and mythological characters. The style is bolder, with brighter colours and more robust forms compared to the delicate Kashmir work.
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Papier-mache mask from West Bengal. Image courtesy - Indiamart.
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Papier-mâché tumbler from Bihar with Madhubani hand-painted design. Image courtesy - Pinterest.
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In West Bengal, Durga Puja idols are made using papier-mâché techniques to create elaborate decorative elements. In Rajasthan, artisans blend papier-mâché with traditional puppet-making, creating lightweight yet durable puppet heads. In Maharashtra, Ganesh idols are crafted and decorated for festivals. In Bihar, the famous Madhubani painting is done on Papier-mache products.
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A vintage kitchen container from rural northern India, made from papier-mâché. Image courtesy - Indiamart.
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The Craftsmanship: Skills Passed Through Generations
Making authentic Indian papier-mâché is often a family tradition. In old neighbourhoods of Kashmir and parts of Srinagar, whole families work together on this craft. The craftsmanship involves three distinct specialist roles:
Sakhtsaz: The mould maker, who understands the structural integrity needed for different items and creates the base form.
Naqash: The painter, considered the soul of the craft, who brings designs to life with brushes sometimes made from a single squirrel hair for the finest details.
Munjuk: The varnisher, who applies the final protective coating that gives pieces their characteristic glossy finish and durability.
Traditional Usage and Cultural Significance
Papier-mâché items have been woven into the fabric of Indian life in numerous ways:
Household Items: From jewellery boxes and decorative bowls to trinket holders and photo frames, papier-mâché brings art into everyday life. Kashmiri brides traditionally received elaborate papier-mâché boxes as part of their trousseau.
Religious and Ceremonial Use: Decorative panels for prayer rooms, miniature shrines, and festival decorations have made papier-mâché an integral part of religious life. The lightweight nature makes these items perfect for temporary installations during festivals.
Functional Art: Items such as pen holders, lampshades, coasters, and even furniture pieces demonstrate how this craft combines utility with beauty. In many parts of rural northern India, people have even used papier-mâché containers to store food grains.
Gifting Tradition: Intricately designed papier-mâché items have long been prestigious gifts, symbolising good taste and cultural appreciation.
Contemporary Papier-Mâché Craft: Tradition Meets Innovation
Today's papier-mâché artists in India are bridging the gap between tradition and modernity with remarkable creativity. While honouring ancient techniques, they're exploring new possibilities. Aranya Earthcraft is one such design studio founded by Preet Gupta and Dr Vivek Prasad.
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As contemporary artists, we are experimenting with abstract patterns, geometric designs, and fusion styles that appeal to people worldwide while preserving traditional craftsmanship. You can now find papier-mâché platters, coasters, and wall hangings with simple, modern designs.
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Other papier-mâché products include jewellery, such as earrings, pendants, and brooches, as well as Rakhi, home décor, fashion accessories, and art installations. We also make modern sculptures that show new possibilities for papier-mâché.
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Today, with more people caring about the environment, papier-mâché’s use of recycled paper and natural materials makes it a sustainable craft. This has enabled our products to reach customers worldwide who value eco-friendly options.
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Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Despite its long history, Indian papier-mâché faces significant challenges. Machine-made copies, fewer young people taking up this demanding work, and market pressures all put the future of the craft at risk.
However, the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, combined with craft revival efforts, artisan training centres, and growing interest in handmade products, is helping to protect this ancient art. Some organisations are also working to ensure artisans receive fair pay and have steady markets.
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Thirukannur, Puducherry, has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its papier-mâché craft, which was officially recognised in 2011. Image courtesy - Wikipedia.
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At Aranya Earthcraft, we have been at the forefront not only in communicating the importance of handmade products but also in offering workshops to educate school/college students, as well as corporate employees.
Why Papier-Mâché Craft Matters Today
In our mass-produced world, Indian papier-mâché craft represents something precious: human creativity, patience, and skill transformed into tangible beauty. Each piece tells a story: of the artist who shaped it, the tradition that nurtured it, and the culture that values it.
When you purchase authentic Indian papier-mâché from Aranya Earthcraft, you're not just buying a decorative item. You're encouraging a new-age living tradition and preserving a cultural heritage that has enriched India for over 600 years.
The detailed designs, smooth finish, and sense of history you feel when holding a piece: that’s the special quality of Indian papier-mâché. From its Persian origins to today’s new ideas, this art form continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots.
Whether it’s a classic Kashmiri box with chinar leaves or a modern papier-mâché sculpture from Aranya Earthcraft, this craft carries a legacy worth celebrating, protecting, and passing on to future generations.