Kashmiri Coppersmithing
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Kashmiri coppersmithing is a metalworking craft associated with the Kashmir Valley particularly the making of copper vessels, utensils and decorative items. It cuts, heat and hammers copper sheets by cutting, heating and hammering cleans, polishes and decorates them. For a long time, Srinagar has long been a center of copper working in this region.[1][2]
History
The working of copper & metal has a long history in Kashmir, historically and archeological records show the use of copper for coins, vessels and other objects. [3]
The craft developed in this period especially under the patronage of the 15th‑century ruler Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. Sources also link this time to the arrival of Central Asian craftsmen and the introduction of new techniques and decorative styles that shaped Kashmiri metalworking.[4][3] [5]
The craft has become a hub in Srinagar's old city with areas such as Zaina Kadal historically linked to copper workshops and trade.[6] [7] [8]
Production
Traditional copperware is made by cutting metal sheet and hammering it into shapes. Artisans use hand tools such as anvils (Yandrewah), stakes (Mekh), chisels, compass,files, wooden mallet (Goshtperr) and hammers (Draz).[4]
Naqashi (نقاشی) is the Copper work with engraving and carving. Naqash (or Naqashgeer) is the craftsman who does this work. Other specialized artisans do the Kalai (tinning), polishing and finishing works.[1][4][3]
Kandkari and decoration
Kandkari (کَندکاری) is associated with work on Kashmiri copperware particularly hand engraving and other surface ornamentation. Decorative techniques include engraving, embossing, chasing and cut‑work. Traditional copperware is decorated with Floral, geometric and calligraphic motifs.[4][3]
In India an application for an indication for Kashmir Kandkari Copperware was filed in India in December 2025. The application was logged in database of Intellectual Property India as Pre Examination in 2026.[9]
Products
Traditional Kashmiri copperware includes household utensils, ceremonial vessels and serving pieces, such as the samovar tream or traem (serving platter), tash e naer (handwashing vessel) bowls, jugs, trays and cooking vessels.[1][3]
Some of the Kashmiri copper utensils are:
Tea and Drinkware
- Samovar (سماوار): A large traditional Kashmiri kettle, used to brew and serve Kahwa and salted tea (Noon Chai) "The Kashmiri Samovar's Journey".
- Naer (نیر): A traditional water jug with a narrow neck, used for pouring water.
- Copper Glasses: Small, hand engraved drinking glass used to drink water or juice.
Dining and Serving
- Traami (تْرامِی): A large round plate to be shared by four people at a meal together during special feasts. It is mainly used during Kashmiri wedding.
- Sarposh (سرپوش): Decorated conical lid placed over the Traami to keep the food warm before eating.
- Doonga (دونگ / ڈونگا): Serving bowl for gravies and side dishes.
Cleaning/cleansing
- Tash-e-Naer (تاشِ نی): Portable handwash basin and jug set used to washing hands before and after meals.
- Izband Soz (ازبند سوز): A small copper stove for burning fragrant wild rue seeds on hot coals.
- Lota: Small round vessel for everyday use.
Cooking Pots
- Daaeg(Deig or Deg) (داغ): Large pot traditionally used for slow-cooking meat or dishes, now a days only use is seen during Kashmiri wedding.
- Patli (پَتْلی): Traditional kitchenware cooking pots used for cooking, heating or serving food.
Contemporary status
Kashmiri coppersmithing is trill thriving in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. The craft is facing challanges from machine‑made products, other materials, rising cost of raw material and changing tastes of consumers.[2][10]
Traditional decorative samovars are returning to modern homes as artisans adaapt old design however the craft still faces challenges.[6][11]
Gallery
-
Samovar, Kashmiri style Kashmiri kettle -
Wazwan trami full -
Daaeg -
Different cooking pots used during wazwan
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Coppersmith Craft Kashmir". Gaatha.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Ancient copper trade faces modern crisis in Kashmir". Greater Kashmir.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Copper and Copper Work in Kashmir". Kashmir Observer. 17 April 2024.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Copperware Craft of Kashmir". Gaatha.
- ↑ "Preserving the Legacy of Copper in Kashmir: A Journey Through Historical Records". Kashmir Reader. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Old Brew Is Back With Samovars Creative Revival in Kashmir". Kashmir Observer. 31 July 2021.
- ↑ "Rediscovering Kashmir's Heritage of Coppersmith Craft". Oak Lores. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2026.
- ↑ "Forged in Fire: Copper Alchemist of Kashmir". Kashmir Times. 31 January 2025. Retrieved 5 September 2026.
- ↑ "Kashmir Kandkari Copperware. Application No. 1752". Intellectual Property India.
- ↑ "The Hand That Shaped Kashmirs Copper Is Losing Its Hold". Kashmir Observer. 17 September 2025.
- ↑ "Centuries-Old Copper Naqashi May Vanish Soon: Master Artisan Warns". Kashmir Observer. 7 October 2025.
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