Description

This exquisite heart shaped papier mache jewelry box with Anarkali's (Salim the Mughal prince's consort) face hand painted on it, is a perfect way to store your special jewelry, while bringing back those romantic memories. The panels of the box are decorated with landscape painting of pines and wild flowers.

History

Papier mache craft is a very old tradition of Kashmir. It is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir in the 15th Century by a Kashmiri Prince who spent years in prison at Samarkand in Central Asia or Persia. Thus the art born in the land of Persia, traveled to India and became popular as it was highly favored by Mughal Emperors of 15th and 16th Century. The mughal influence is still seen in the paintings on papier mache objects in terms of themes, style of painting and the choice of Mughal kings and queens in some of these paintings.

Skills

The National Award winning papier mache artist, Riyaz Khan who has made this box, perfected his craft over many decades. The process of making it is arduous, involving many steps. The creation of a papier-mache object can be divided into two distinct categories, the sakhtsazi (making the object) and the naqashi (painting the surface). This box shows the mastery of the artist over both these processes - how well he has shaped the heart as well as the fine painting and the elegant choice of colours. Above all other talents, the artist's aesthetic sensibility and hereditary skills shine through in this piece.

Aesthetics

Fine brush strokes and a superb choice of colours makes this jewelry box a collector's piece. Anarkali's face is exquisite in its features and expression, and along with the perfect glossy finish of the box, underlines the beauty of this box.

Material

Kashmiri papier mache. To make Papier Mache, first paper is soaked in water till it disintegrates. It is then pounded, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being painted. The colours for painting designs on the surface are obtained by grinding and soaking various vegetable mineral dyes in pigment or stone form. Objects of papier mache are not only beautifully decorated, but are surprisingly light and strong. The lacquer coating on them protects them from water and gives them extra durability.

Care

Keep away from moisture. Clan with soft, dry cotton cloth.