The winsome antique Kashmiri silver

Kashmiri silverware was and continues to be the most valuable of all the Indian silver types. Silver artistry in Kashmir is said to date back to the Mughal era and was influenced by the natural beauty of the area. The craft is a part of the Valley’s rich cultural heritage, having found its way into the royal Durbars (courts).

Kings and nobles ate their meals in glorious Kashmiri silver vessels. In reality, Muslim rulers used silver items such as rose water sprinklers, Huqqa Bases, and spittoons, which have since become treasured by the people throughout the world. According to legend, the last ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, had specially crafted utensils and tableware, including a Thaal (rounded plate) with a hot water steam chamber to keep his food warm, made by Kashmiri silversmiths

The history of Kashmiri silver 

The use of Kashmiri silver had a long history. From the elite class, known locally as “Khojje,” to the lower classes, each had their own style of silver jewelry ornamentation, as certain articles of the craft were luxuries which only the wealthy could afford. The elite women will wear Kasaba, an ancient headdress, with exquisite Taal Razz and a plethora of heavy silver necklaces and cuffs.

On the other hand, the lower strata of society will wear light jewels. The same social rules will apply to decorative and practical products. As a result, silver played an essential role in defining and influencing society. The art of silversmithing also plays an essential role in some fascinating rituals in Kashmiri society.

For example, a traditional Kashmiri bride wears pure silver sandals down the aisle. Believers encase their talismans in Silver Dolna necklaces, and Begums use a Surma Daani made into a silver necklace for convenient Kohl storage. The art form, on the other hand, did not stay in the Valley where it was formed.

The bride was traditionally given a set of utensils, with a few of the – plate, cups, and a Lota – having to be made of Kashmiri silver. The Goddess was also given a “Chandi ka Chattar” (a silver umbrella) for religious rites.

The process of making the glorious Kashmiri silverware

Before it expresses its elegance in the art forms it is crafted into, the precious silver goes through a rigorous method of hammering, carving, engraving, and finishing. A silversmith first hammers thick blocks of silver into sheets, which are then heated to an intense temperature.

High temperature melts the precious metal, allowing the silversmith to mold and form it into the article of his choosing using a method called an “Onguch.”

Meanwhile, over an iron trace, a designer prepares the Naqsha (design). Poppy plants, lotus leaves, and Chinars are featured in these designs, which are influenced by the Valley’s floral landscape.

Arabesques or paisleys are often made on the craft so that they look like famous Kashmiri shawls. This demonstrates the power of one rich craft over the minds of other artisans – in this case, the engraver. After that, the silver is softened to allow it to accept the design that is about to be made.

As a result, the mold is heated a second time and cooled to the correct temperature until the iron trace is pounded to cast its impression. The pattern is replicated around the entire surface to give it opulence. After the engraving, an Eran is used to eliminate any bends in the mold. Finally, a copper and silver fixture known as Tanaka is added, completing the silver item in the making.

The metal is then cleaned, polished, and gilded for a brief period, bringing out the metal’s inner beauty for a sparkling show of its elegance. Silver artistry, as an old Kashmiri craft, denotes the dexterity of Kashmiri craftsmen who create it, such as gliders, silversmiths, cleaners, polishers, and engravers.

In today’s world

However, the number of artisans who make the craft in remote villages and Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khaas has decreased. Although, each generation has cherished and preserved the tradition of carrying and using silver in the Kashmir Valley.

The pieces of Kashmiri silverware are sold in both European and Indian styles, ranging from essential household items to decorative items. Tea sets, goblets, jewelry, trays, and kashkuls, are some of the most commonly made items, and when used, each tells a story of tradition, history, and rich artistry. Silver objects age gracefully, gaining a timeless antique appearance with each passing year.