Paper mache is a material produced by mixing mashed paper and glue, or paper, flour, and water, that becomes hard when dry and is mostly used to make boxes, trays, wall decor, small tabletop utilities, and ornaments.

Commonly, hand-painted articles made of paper mache are referred to as "paper mache." While paper mache is the material, the hand painting of different designs and themes on top of paper mache is known as "nakaashi." These are two different arts.

In many cases, the paper mache material (the making of which is a cumbersome process) has been replaced with wood and other materials, thus causing a setback for the growth of the original paper mache industry.

Paper mache has existed for centuries, and you will always find mention of some countries with paper mache, specifically China, Persia, France, and Kashmir.

In the 15th century, Sultan Zain-ul-Abadin is believed to have introduced paper mache to Kashmir by bringing with him craftsmen skilled in different crafts, including paper mache.

At kashmers.com, we are trying to go back to basics, keep the paper mache as pure as it was. In addition, we work towards creating a new product line, new nakashi designs, and different colour combinations.