Carved Walnut Wood Kashmiri Shawl inspired tabletop decor

Be it China, Egypt, or India, the tradition of woodcarving has been a part of culture from early times.

Carving on walnut wood (walnut wood being hardwood and more suitable for carving) is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Sheikh Makhdoom during the 15th century. The art of wood Carving soon became a part of the economy, providing a livelihood to many artisans. The learning and training took the traditional route from guru to pupil and flourished. Starting from carving large pieces that would be used in large official houses, the art travelled to more mainstream uses over time, like making furniture, storage boxes, wall decor, etc.

Walnut wood carving in Kashmir, which has rich clusters of walnut trees otherwise rare in the Asian region, has developed with its own characteristics and unique designs. Rich in aesthetics, and emphasis on details has rendered it an exquisite craft that is unique to Kashmir.

The choice of tech-savvy newer generations has challenged almost all traditional crafts with their changed outlook and preferences for designs, colour combinations, and, on top of all that, utility. Kashmir Gen Z, a small but growing company, has put the craft on its radar as well. A team of designers, visualizers, and craftsmen at Kashmir Gen Z Pvt. Ltd. work in tandem to create a new hand-carved product line that appeals to the new generation.