Discover Eight Fascinating Aspects of Kashmir Shawls

Peacock Blue Fine Wool Shawl with Floral aari Embroidery

Kashmir shawls are synonymous with luxury, top-notch quality, and opulence, offering a harmonious blend of warmth and style. Pure Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, with a heritage spanning over 500 years, stand as timeless masterpieces.

• Also Known as Pashmina Shawls 

Kashmiri embroidery shawls are often referred to as pashmina shawls because they are crafted from the hair of pashmina goats, primarily found in the high plateaus of Tibet and Nepal. These shawls are emblematic of royalty due to the rarity of pashmina goats and the limited fleece they produce.

• A Source of Employment 

The production of these shawls has generated substantial employment opportunities. Pashmina fibers are meticulously sorted and cleansed before the weaving process begins. The goats' undercoat contains dandruff and impurities, necessitating thorough cleaning before the fibers are woven.

Kashmiri Stole with Aari Embroidered Paisleys by Hand

• High-quality and Expensive 

Kashmiri shawls of all varieties exhibit exceptional quality, boasting exceptionally soft and fine wool. Numerous international brands incorporate these Indian shawls in their collections due to their usage of some of the finest and superior-quality wool on the global market. The high price tag reflects the fine craftsmanship and unique embroidery. Historically, these shawls were handmade, taking six months to a year to create.

Initially, pashmina wool remained undyed, resulting in shawls predominantly being brown, white, grey, or black. Later, they were dyed with colors such as blue, red, and yellow to align with evolving fashion trends, gaining renown among rulers of the time.

• Patterns of Shawls 

The softness of pure pashmina and the artistry of the work are distinguishing features of these shawls. In the 17th century, floral patterns, favored by Mughal emperors, gained prominence on Kashmiri shawls, permeating textiles, architecture, and works of art.

Rust-Orange White Aari Embroidered Floral Woolen Shawl from Kashmir

• Different Ways to Wear Kashmir Shawls 

How Kashmir shawls are worn varies, contingent upon their patterns and designs. If a shawl features an all-over design, it is typically draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body. Those with only border designs are worn around the neck like scarves or tied around the waist.

• Kashmir Shawls: A Symbol of Royalty 

Kashmiri shawls remain revered as antiques and symbols of royalty. They are eight times warmer than standard sheep's wool, making them highly sought after in the international fabric industry, especially in the US and European markets. Woolen Kashmiri shawls have evolved into status symbols, denoting high class. Many individuals earn their livelihoods by participating in various stages of shawl production, a process that demands considerable time and skill.

• Weaving of Shawls Requires Skilled Workers 

Pashmina designer shawls available online are meticulously handwoven by highly skilled artisans from Kashmir. This artistry has been passed down through generations, evolving into a cherished tradition in the region.

Pure Wool Shawl from Kashmir with Kalamkari Hand-Embroidered Depicting Courtyard Garden|Handwoven

• Proper Care and Storage 

Whether you purchase Kashmir shawls online or through local wholesalers or retailers, it's essential to provide these shawls with special care and proper storage. Extended periods of disuse can harm the fibers, so it's advisable to use mild detergents or consult a woolen specialist for cleaning.