Photos: Jammu & Kashmir’s famed carpets are a weave apart

Jammu & Kashmir's indigenous carpet making industry is a centuries old establishment that continues to stand apart with the beauty of its products.

Updated on: Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

Famed the world over for their resplendent colour and intricate patterns, the carpets woven by the artisans of Jammu & Kashmir hold a centuries old legacy in their weave. Considered masterpieces in woven wool and silk yarn, the carpets of the region garner prime position as cultural icons of skills honed over ages and craftsmanship passed down by generations. The continued demand for carpets from Jammu & Kashmir has stood the test of time, innovations in weaving and regional conflict. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

2/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

A employee works at a carpet weaving machine at a factory in Bari Brahmana Industrial area. The famed ‘Kashmiri’ carpet is known for its traditionally high thread count and the number of knots, often ranging in the thousands. This allows the weaver to bring out highly detailed designs in the rugs. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

3/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

Carpet weaving in the state dates as far back as the 15th century with Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin bringing artisans from Persia to the region who introduced the now hallmark techniques used in carpet weaving. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

4/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

The making of carpets has traditionally been done by hand and has been a laborious process, with the Nakaash or artisan involved in the cultivation of fine silk, the intricate layout, weaving and final finishing taking months. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

5/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

Carpet manufacturing is now also done with mechanised looms and design layout softwares which greatly reduce the time and effort in making these intricate decor pieces. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

6/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

An employee selects the colour threads for a carpet weaving machine at a factory in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

7/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

The motifs and colours used in the rugs convey special meanings and also showcase the local traditions of the area of production. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

8/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

‘Kashmiri’ carpets are a prominent fixture in traditional homes around the state where they see use as bedding, wall and floor decor pieces, and also as family heirlooms appreciated over generations. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

9/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

Changing markets dictate the trends in modern manufacturing operations that match traditional weaving processes to modern, unconventional design choices. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

10/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

The trade of these carpets competes twofold - locally between the hand tufted artisanal rugs and machine loomed pieces manufactured in Jammu and Kashmir as well as with international pieces that vie for the high prises these carpets can fetch. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

11/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 28, 2017 9:33 AM

A worker checks thread reels of a carpet weaving machine at a factory in the Bari Brahmana Industrial Area, in Jammu. (Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)