Artisans bemoan decline of handmade chain sew craftsmanship in Kashmir

The intricate artistry of handmade chain sew work is witnessing a decline, posing challenges for artisans who’ve mastered this meticulous craft by generations. The demand for such conventional craftsmanship is diminishing, overshadowed by the attract of mass-produced options.

Artisans, who’ve inherited the legacy of handmade chain sew work, specific concern over the varied challenges that threaten the continuity of this distinctive craft.

Talking with the information company—Kashmir Information Observer (KNO), Abdul Rasheed Bhat, a 60-year-old chain sew grasp from Tengpora Nawa Kadal, lamented the decline of this artwork type regardless of his household operating a Kashmir Crewel Chain sew manufacturing facility within the space for the previous century.

“I’ve been related to this craft for the final 40 years. Earlier, there have been good returns however an individual who works daybreak to nightfall on a hand-crafted chain sew doesn’t even earn Rs 100 per day and sustaining a livelihood on such earnings is not possible in immediately’s period,” he mentioned.

With every passing day, this craft is sinking in the direction of decline, Bhat mentioned, including that the shift in the direction of mass manufacturing and the prevalence of mechanized options led to the dwindling demand for handmade chain sew work.

With such little earnings, how can younger folks take up this craft, he questioned.

Artisans mentioned the intricate detailing and personalised contact of handmade chain sew work have been overshadowed by the attract of machine-produced options, which provide faster and less expensive options.

Regardless of claims of a tourism boon in recent times, artisans mentioned there was a minimal optimistic affect on their craft. “It’s brokers who handle this craft and are liable for low demand of handmade chain sew work as they promote machine-made merchandise at the price of handmade objects,” they mentioned.

The artisans who’ve honed their abilities over time mentioned they discover themselves grappling with financial pressures because the demand for his or her craft is dwindling with every passing day. “Folks related to this craft are leaving, choosing another work,” they mentioned, including that with the technological developments, youth want digital careers over mastering time-honoured artisanal strategies.

Whereas the federal government claims to be making efforts to revive and protect this cultural heritage, artisans mentioned there was no optimistic affect on the bottom. They urged authorities to handle the matter and take efficient steps to safeguard this centuries-old artwork type from fading away within the face of recent traits—(KNO)