Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl vs. Kani Shawl: Which One to Buy?
Kashmir, the North Western region of India is rich in culture, tradition and scenic wonders. Snowy mountain peaks, pristine lakes and mesmerizing historical monuments set this region apart.
However, there is one more thing that this place is especially famous for. Kashmir is known globally for its handcrafted woolen, pashmina and Kani textile industry. The skilled artisans of this region create beautiful, rare and meticulously designed shawls made from pure cashmere that you can wear on all occasions and in every weather.
This blog delves into the main differences between Kashmiri Pashmina shawls and Kani shawls. With this information, it will be much easier for you to decide which shawl to choose between the two. So, keep on reading till the end.
- What is Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl?
- Making of Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls
- Reasons to Buy Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls
- What are Kashmiri Kani Shawls?
- Making of Kashmiri Kani Shawls
- Reasons to Buy Kashmiri Kani Shawls
- Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl vs. Kani Shawl: Which One is Right for You?
What is Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl?
The word pashmina has its origins in the Persian word pashm which translates to soft gold or soft wool. A Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl is an exquisite piece of textile that is known for its unmatched softness and intricate craftsmanship.
These shawls have been a symbol of royalty, elegance and sophistication for centuries.
Pashmina shawls are made from the finest wool obtained from the Changthangi goats native to the high-altitude Himalayan region in Ladakh, India.
The Changthangi region is known for its extremely harsh winters where the temperature can get as low as -40oC. To survive in this climate, the Changthangi goats possess exceptionally warm and soft wool. This wool serves as the raw material for pashmina shawls.
Making of Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls
One feature that particularly makes these shawls special is their intricate processing which is mainly done by hand. As soon as the winter’s end, the Changthangi goats start rubbing themselves against rough areas to get rid of the excess wool.
This is when herders use special tools like combs and blades to remove the wool from the bodies of these creatures to make their summers comfortable. The wool is then sent to Kashmir where skilled artisans clean and sort it.
This wool is then sent to wooden spinning wheels operated mainly by the womenfolk. These women convert the wool into fine threads with careful motions of the wheel and their hands. This process takes several days until a sufficient quantity of thread is obtained for weaving.
The cashmere threads are then sent to handloom units where men weave the fibers into fabric. The whole weaving process can take 4 to 5 days. The final product is a luxurious pashmina shawl which is now ready for embroidering and intricate design.
After the handloom units, the shawls are washed, dyed and dried. Finally, these shawls reach embroiderers, who turn these into masterpieces using intricate patterns and classic motifs that make every piece special in its own way.
Reasons to Buy Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls
Following are the main reasons why you need to buy a Pashmina stole or shawl for everyday use
- Unparalleled Softness
The cashmere wool fibers used to make pashmina shawls are just 12 to 15 microns in diameter. These extremely thin fibers give you a fabric whose softness has no match. The touch and feel of the fabric are so smooth that you cannot get your hands off of it.
- Warm But Very Lightweight
These shawls are famous for being warm without any bulk. The Pashmina fibers have natural insulating properties that keep the cold out. The combination of softness, warmth and elegance that you get from these shawls makes them worth every penny.
- Style and Versatility
A Pashmina shawl gives you unmatched styling freedom. You can pair it with your jeans, casual clothes and formal attire to instantly elevate your looks.
You can drape this shawl over your shoulder or wrap it around your neck as a scarf. The style and versatility of these shawls are what makes them a fan favorite.
- Exceptional Craftsmanship
Each pashmina shawl reflects the dedication of the artisans who labor day and night to make each piece stand out in terms of style and motifs. These experts spend so much time designing and weaving these shawls to ensure they blend well with your every traditional and modern attire.
- The Royal Connection
Pashmina shawls have been a personal favorite of royalties like the Mughal Emperors of India and the European nobilities. Wearing these thus gives you a sense of exclusivity and elegance.
- Ethical and Sustainable Production
Pashmina shawls are handcrafted from the excess wool of the Changthangi goats using eco-friendly processes. The processing of these shawls involves minimum use of machinery and other unethical practices. This makes these shawls a sustainable fashion choice.
- Durability
Pashmina Shawls features a timeless appeal and amazing durability. This makes them a wise fashion investment that will last you for decades without losing its shine and freshness.
What are Kashmiri Kani Shawls?
Kani Shawl, a special type of Pashmina shawl, comes from the remote village of Kanihama situated in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. These shawls are symbols of rich Kashmiri heritage and intricate craftsmanship. A typical Kani shawl has an intricate floral or geometric motif woven on a pale base.
The word “Kani” means wooden sticks and “hama” means village. These shawls get their name from the use of small sticks of wood (kanis) that are used to weave threads to create colorful patterns on shawls.
The making of these shawls dates back several centuries. It is believed that in the Mughal era, there were about 15,000 kani looms in the valley.
These shawls are so exclusive and special that they have been given the Geographical Indication (GI) status. This means no other place can sell a Kani shawl under the same name. This was done to preserve the heritage and authenticity of the Kashmiri Kani shawls.
Making of Kashmiri Kani Shawls
Kani Shawls are handwoven using eyeless wood sticks to create intricate weft weaving. The work is so delicate that even a skilled artisan can weave just a few inches each day. Depending on the complexity of the pattern, it can take from 3 to 36 months to finish a single Kani shawl.
First, a Nakash or pattern drawer creates a design. This design is then sent to Tarah Guru (color-caller). This is an expert who decides color combinations and calculates an accurate amount of yarn for each shade for the Kani shawl.
The design is then written in a code called “Talim” on graph paper. This pattern is made by the Talimguru who specializes in turning designs into codes that weavers can easily decipher.
After that, warp-makers (Nakatu) and warp-dressers (Pennakamgur) prepare the warp. They do this on a four-shaft treadle loom based on the instructions of the guru.
Now come the weavers who use Kanis to hand weave the weft threads. Based on Talim, the weavers use colorful bobbins and arrange them as per the design. They join different bobbins together based on the color requirement of the design to finish the shawl.
In some cases, they use up to 50 Kanis with different colored yarns to create a single pattern. About 75 to 100 different bobbins are sometimes used at a time to weave a Kani shawl.
For complex designs, multiple looms are used. The needleworkers then seamlessly join the separate parts of the designs from different looms to create a single shawl.
Reasons to Buy Kashmiri Kani Shawls
Kashmiri Kani Shawls have no match when it comes to elegance, versatility, and sophistication which is what makes them a must for your wardrobe.
Here are a few more reasons why buying these shawls is a great idea
- A Symbol of Luxury
The appeal of these shawls transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. These shawls were a favorite of Mughal Emperors. In the 19th century, these shawls made their way to Europe and instantly became a symbol of royalty.
These shawls became commonplace among nobility and royals during that time. Queen Josephine, the wife of Napoleon, particularly found these shawls attractive and was seen wearing them often.
This highlights this shawl’s widespread appeal among people of the high class during that time.
- Exquisite Material
These shawls are made from pure pashmina wool. This wool comes from the undercoat of Himalayan Mountain Changthangi goats. The processing of this material is done by hand and using traditional methods which gives you a shawl with unparalleled warmth and softness.
- Intricate Weaving Technique
Unlike regular pashmina weaving that uses standard shuttles, the making of these shawls is done using small wooden sticks or Kanis. This makes these shawls more labor-intensive and intricate and thus more expensive.
- Symmetrical, Floral and Paisley Motifs
These shawls feature rich and timeless floral and paisley motifs in a balanced and symmetrical fashion. Each design invokes a sense of harmony with its earthy color tone. However, you can also find these shawls in bright hues for a more modern experience.
- Variety
Kani shawls come in a wide range of designs and colors to meet your every fashion need. Some popular types of this shawl include
Dorukha Shawl which has patterns on both sides making it a reversible accessory.
Paladar is another famous Kani shawl that only features patterns on its borders.
Kani Jamawar shawl has patterns all over the base with eye-catching and electric motifs on top.
Chand Daar is another famous style of Kani shawl that has a main centered medallion design with small patterns around the corners.
Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl vs. Kani Shawl: Which One is Right for You?
Both Pashmina and Kani Shawls are unique in terms of their style, making and design intricacy. The designs of Kani shawls are a bit more detailed and intricate. You can pick these if you are looking for something to make a fashion statement.
On the other hand, you can pick Pashmina shawls if you are looking to add something lightweight, versatile and comfortable to your wardrobe.
The choice between the two mainly depends on your styling needs and taste. So, consider these before you make your decision to get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
When choosing a Kani or Pashmina shawl, always make sure to pick a reputable source. A pure Pashmina and Kani shawl is both durable and lightweight. With Pashmina shawls you get a soft elegance while a Kani shawl with its intricate patterns gives you a sense of exclusivity.
Both of these shawls encapsulate the rich Kashmiri artistry, culture and tradition in their own way. The intricate processes that go into weaving these shawls are a testament to the dedication and skill of the local artisans.
This is what makes these shawls a must-buy item for people who appreciate attire with rich history, culture and a personal touch that you cannot find in machine-made and synthetic fabric.
And if you are looking for authentic Kashmiri Pashmina shawls made from pure wool, then you can visit us at Kashmers. We bring you a wide range of Pashmina shawls handcrafted by experts in the business using traditional weaving methods to give you nothing but the best.
