Real Gold Papier-mâché

Papier-mache - the term originally derived from French word "Papya masha" meaning molded pulp. As the name indicates pulp is the most important ingredient used in the manufacture of papier-mache objects. It is molded by a special technique into all sorts of objects and decorated to the height of art and aesthetics.

You name the object and it is ready in papier-mache with exuberant colors, designs and finesse. Lamps, Flower vases, Jewel boxes, Christmas Balls .... list is endless. Kashmiri Papier-mâché objects are known world over for their finesse and durability. Exuberant Colors blended in real gold and silver are used to decorate these items and the coating of special varnish protect the surface while the interiors is all made of brass in the items that are meant to contain water like the flower vases. A single Papier-mâché object bears a full story of entire kingdom in a pictographic design while most of the flora and fauna show in many designs.

This year decorate your Christmas tree with Papier-mâché balls, stars and a variety of fancy items. All these articles are available in every colour with lining of real gold adding to their charm and durability.

The papier-mâché of Kashmir is a popular handicraft item. Even though all the paper-maches of Kashmir look similar at first glance, they command different prices. The price depends upon the type and the quality of the product. There are no less than three different qualities of Papier-mâché , each having a distinct value. The procedure of making paper-mache is quite complex. The first step is to soak Papier-mâché in water till the time it starts disintegrating. After that, pounding of the Papier-mâché is followed by addition of an adhesive solution to it. Then, the blend is shaped over moulds and allowed to dry and set. The last step in the process is printing and varnishing of the Papier-mâché .

If the Papier-mâché is not thoroughly pounded, a smooth finish will not come through. Kashmiri Papier-mâché products are painted with brightly colored designs. The products can be easily differentiated on the basis of the creativity and skill of the craftsmen as well as the choice of the colors used. Papier-mâché objects make extensive use of Gold. Either the whole of the design is painted in gold or certain motifs are highlighted with the color. The quality of the gold used is another determinant of the value of the product. Papier-mâché products with pure gold leaf are costlier than bronze dust or gold poster paint.

There are numerous Papier-mâché products available in Kashmir, right from the highly expensive ones to the quite cheaper ones. Amongst the cheaper options are eggcups, candle stands, pen stands, kumkum boxes, cigarette boxes, etc. These products make use of poster paint. On the other hand are much expensive vases, bowls, trays and a number of other products. Painted by expert artisans, they make use of the real gold leaf. It can be concluded that what determines the value of a Papier-mâché product is the skill of the artisan and the type of gold used.