Handmade, Never Mass-Produced
Each piece is shaped, painted, and finished by hand. Small variations are preserved as proof of the maker's touch.
Rooted in Kashmir. Shaped by Hand.
A living craft carried through family, memory, fine brushes, and patient hands.
Meet the Maker
Riyaz Ahmad Khan
Riyaz Ahmed, born in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1972, is a renowned Kashmiri paper mache artist who has mastered the art of working with recycled paper. With a deep passion for his craft, Riyaz's sculptures intricately portray traditional Kashmiri costumes, jewelry, and architecture, as well as mythical creatures from Kashmiri folklore.
For Riyaz, art is not just a creative expression, but also a source of peace ("Sukoon"). His sculptures reflect the natural beauty of Kashmir, painted with vibrant colors that breathe life into his creations. Through his work, Riyaz seeks to preserve and promote the rich culture and history of Kashmir, inspired by the influence of Mughal miniature painters and the Islamic art tradition.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Riyaz is also a philosopher who advocates for unity and rejects the establishment of differences. He also discusses the futility of establishing differences, citing a Bengali incident from his stay in Kolkata. 'Sabka jawab, Howrah jaana hai janab, sabse poocho kidhar jaana hai.' 'Ab koi plane se ja raha hai, koi car se, koi train se, aur koi chal ke- par pahunchenge, sabhi Howrah hi na!' (When you ask anyone where you want to go, they all respond Howrah. Someone is flying, someone is driving, someone is taking the train, and someone is walking, but they are all headed to the same spot! For him, this incident symbolizes the futility of divisions in society.
Riyaz's talent has earned him international recognition, with his sculptures being exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Notably, he has received accolades like the National Award for Excellence in Folk Art from the Government of India, the Award of Merit from the World Crafts Council, and a Special Mention from the Prince Claus Fund.
As an artist and part philosopher, Riyaz Ahmed's work stands as a tribute to the beauty and heritage of Kashmir, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and inspiring young artists in his homeland and beyond.
30+ Years of Practice 3rd Generation Craftsman
Kar-e-Qalamdani
The Ancient Art of Paper Maché
Kashmiri paper maché, locally known as Kar-e-Qalamdani, is one of the oldest and most celebrated crafts of the Kashmir Valley, with roots tracing back to the 15th century when it was introduced by Persian artisans under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. The process is entirely hand-driven: waste paper is soaked, pulped, and layered over moulds such as boxes, bowls, and vases, then left to cure.
Once dry, the surface is sanded and primed with a base coat of chalk paste. Skilled artists then paint intricate motifs using fine brushes: chinar leaves, kingfishers, lotus flowers, paisley, and garden patterns. A final lacquer seals the artwork and gives each piece its characteristic lustrous finish. A single medium piece may take three to five days to complete.
- 1Pulp
- 2Mould
- 3Dry
- 4Paint
- 5Lacquer
Ethically Sourced Materials
The work begins with humble paper pulp and mindful material use. The process honors both craft and resourcefulness.
Keeping Tradition Alive
Every order supports a living Kashmiri art form. Each collector becomes part of the craft's next chapter.