Paper Mache Fruit Bowl

The papier-m?ch? technique of using paper pulp for making decorative objects was first adopted in Kashmir in the 15th century by King Zain-ul-Abidin who brought with him skilled craftsman in the art. It is based primarily on paper pulp, and is a richly decorated, colorful artifact; generally in the form of vases, bowls, or cups (with and without metal rims), boxes, trays, bases of lamps, and many other small objects. These craftsmen used hand-made paper pulp from Iran, Central Asia. It is also said that the prince had been imprisoned in Samarkand in Central-Asia for many years. Earlier practice was to draw colorful paintings on wood on household furniture such as ceilings, bedsteads, doors and windows, palanquins and so forth. Internally this art form was called, kar-i-qulamdan as it was made as pen holders and a few other personal trinkets. To encourage this art form to proliferate, the Government of Kashmir has included papier-m?ch? as a curriculum subject in schools