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The Indian craftsmanship on textiles is world known and a Kalamkari Pashmina Shawl can be said to be a true exemplification of that famous Indian artwork. The word “Kalamkari ” derived from the Persian word ‘kalam’ which means pen, and ‘kari’ which means craftsmanship.

Floral motifs to human figures are depicted through hand-painting in the Kalamkari technique to narrate stories of Indian culture and mythologies. In Kalamkari, designs are made using hand-painting which uses organic colours sourced from plants.

 

Why Kalamkari Pashmina Shawls?

A Kalamkari Shawl is made from Pure Pashmina and it is this luxurious fabric that plays an important role in how the final design and look come out.

Sourced from the underbelly of Changthangi goats that are only found at high altitudes of the Himalayas in Kashmir and Ladakh regions, the Pashmina wool fabric, due to its softness and luxurious texture provides the perfect base for Kalamkari designs.

 

The Making of the Kalamkari Pashmina Shawl

Creating a Kalamkari Pashmina Shawl involves 25 odd steps and designing the Pashmina Shawl with Kalamkari art is part of these steps. These are sometimes called Kalamkari Kashmiri Shawls because the art of sourcing or making a Pashmina Shawl belongs to the Kashmiri culture.

To create an incredibly soft, luxurious and supremely warm shawl, the finest Pashmina wool fabric comprises delicate threads prepared after sourcing the best quality yarns and meticulously spinning this yarn. This fabric acts as the perfect canvas for the shawl to create beautiful Kalamkari designs.

The Kalamkari designs, made using a “Kalam” (based on the design to be made on the Pashmina wool fabric), are made using natural dyes. Each created pattern is a testament to the precision and dedication of the artist.

 

What is so unique about the Kalamkari Shawl?

Combination of bright multi-coloured hues and accents. It is not plain or solid. Unlike very classical shawls like baledaar or palledaar embroidery shawls, Kalamkari shawls will be a mix of six to seven colours with many large or small motifs – floral or paisley, or perhaps the scene of a royal court or a royal marriage procession. Rare, one-of-a-kind kalamkari shawls are like wearable art. They are comparable to collector’s paintings.

 

Styling of the Kalamkari Pashmina Shawl

This shawl is the perfect gift for a fashion enthusiast because of its versatility and elegance. No matter how you drape it, you always have a timeless look. Whether you drape it around your neck for a formal event or wrap it around your shoulders for a casual outing, the shawl is perfect for making  a statement that is uniquely you.

 

Taking Care of Your Shawl

The Kalamkari Pashmina Shawls are something that is passed down through generations, and to keep your shawl in such a condition, it is important to take great care of your delicate piece. It would help if you always stored  the shawl in a breathable bag, avoiding the shawl from sharp-edged objects. And, like all the delicate fabrics are dry-cleaned, so is this shawl.

 

Kalamkari Pashmina Shawl: An heirloom encasing Indian culture and history

The whole meticulous effort is made not just to create a handmade shawl with Kalamkari art. But the efforts give us an heirloom that encases Indian culture and history within itself reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship of an artisan. A t KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium, you will find a range of Kalamkari Pashmina Shawls or Kalamkari Kashmiri Shawls with the facility of shipping worldwide.

Zaid

Zaid

Editor