The delicate yarns of pure wool are used in weaving the shawl, on which the artist has drawn patterns using a pen or “Kalam”. Areas for dying are marked in this process, and the soft wool is dipped into a variety of colors, multiple times. Obvious in the variety of shades visible on the body of this shawl, we can imagine the number of times the makers tied the shawl at varied places, dyed it in a particular color, and waited for it to dry, only to repeat the entire process on a different space on the same shawl. The dark blue, blue, green, yellow, red, and orange that infuses this woolen shawl with an aesthetic quality, are all added to the woven material through this tiresome process of tie and dye.
Once the fabric is dyed and dried according to the plan of the weaver, fine threads of silk and wool are used to create stunningly intricate patterns all over the shawl. Floral vines, bunches of flowers, paisley, and other such ethnic motifs are embroidered on the luxuriant pure wool shawl, with a large Mandala (circular pattern) in the center of the field.
Why exactly did it take a year to complete this shawl? You must hold this masterpiece in your hands to answer this question. Upon handling the delicate fabric in your hand, you can feel the caution, with which the weavers pierce its sheer surface with a needle, and how difficult it is to hold the silken fabric between your fingers let alone perform the intricate needlework. The symmetry of colors and threadwork on this woolen Indian wear is mesmerizing as if planned by a master artist for his piece-de-résistance. The handmade shawl is a reminder of India’s unabashed celebration of life, joy, and the beauty that is all around us, and of the perfectionism of Kashmiri weavers whose imagination made possible this one-of-a-kind woolen shawl.
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