Join us for a hands-on creative workshop to design and paint your own papier-mâché pen pots facilitated by MIAH Foundation.
Papier-mâché is a traditional technique of making both decorative and functional objects. It was introduced to Kashmir during the 14th/15th century following the return of a local prince, Zain-ul-Abidin, from his imprisonment in Samarkand. During his confinement, he observed the use of paper pulp as the base material to make finely painted and lacquered ware. The first papier-mâché objects produced were kalamdan (pen cases), giving the craft its local name: kar-i-kalamdani (pen case work). As the local paper industry grew, the art of papier-mâché also flourished. The repertoire of objects expanded from small household objects and trinkets to bedsteads, doors, window frames, and panels for walls and ceilings. Thus, the art of papier-mâché can be observed in the intricate decorations of the Madin Sahib Mosque, Shah Hamdan Mosque, and the Mughal gardens within the Kashmiri region.
The art of papier-mâché involves two key stages: 1) Sakhtasazi - making the base structure using paper pulp, and 2) Naqashi - hand-painting the intricate decorative patterns. In this workshop, we will demonstrate the traditional process of preparing paper pulp, making a mould, and creating a smooth surface to paint on decorative motifs. You will be provided with a pre-made mould to design and paint your own papier-mâché object using traditional Kashmiri motifs.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
Tickets
We would like to make this workshop as accessible as possible, and so have subsidised the price of the tickets. However, we still need to make a small charge for entry to help cover our costs. To guarantee your place, please book your tickets in advance using the link.
Standard Ticket: £12.50 (+ ticket fees)
Concessions (students, low-income, over 65s): £10 (+ ticket fees)
Please present proof of concessionary status with your ticket upon arrival, where applicable.
REFUND POLICY: Please note that tickets are only refunded (minus the Eventbrite admin fee) if requested more than 7 days before the event.
Image: Domed box (Srinagar, Kashmir, ca. 1850), V&A, Accession No. 3-1852