Exquisite Black and Gold Decorative Box 'Kashmir Opulence'
Item ID: 2669892291
$39.99
-1+
This is your own listing item.
"This petite and pretty decorative box is the creation of Fida Hussein in India. He crafts it from weeping willow wood covered with papier mache. It is then painted by hand with a black and gold chinar leaf motif in exquisite detail. The box is lined in velvet to store small treasures."
"I was born and raised in the beautiful valley of Srinagar, Kashmir, which for me is the coolest place on earth. Unfortunately, during the early 1990s, our state was engulfed with violence and to witness it was perhaps one of the worst moments of my life. I had to cut short my studies as it was difficult to leave our homes, schools were closed and, for days, we would stay indoors fearing an attack. It gives me a chill to recall those times. But as they say, life goes on… and so it did for us too!
"On a brighter side, my father is a papier mache craftsman - a family tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. I grew up watching him create beautiful things. When I left school I decided to join my father full time. There already were artisans whom he'd taught working with him.
"Back in those days, I remember seeing such intricately hand-painted fine quality decorations on the papier mache items, which I don't see any more. Since customers are not ready to pay the price it deserves, artisans no longer make such intricate pieces. It's a pity, because after putting in their time and dedication if they don't get their due, they must resort to easier styles to make them more affordable.
"We do occasionally make intricate pieces, but when the customers are not ready to pay, we have to go with the flow. I really want to promote the beauty of this papier mache craft, which we have inherited from our ancestors.
"Most of our designs are our own creations, and they are mostly inspired from ancient styles and motifs. Nature and the scenic beauty of Kashmir also inspire us, and you would see that in our art works. Apart from the traditional boxes, bowls and ornaments, we also specialize in figures.
"Earlier, when my father was alone, the way to sell his products was through local stores in Srinagar but since I've joined him, we have also started participating in government sponsored exhibitions, and we also have started supplying government emporiums and cottage industries.
"My two elder brothers are also actively working with my father. I feel so proud to be able to share the same platform with my father. He is such a great artist! My mother is also an artist and she does needle embroidery work along with my sister.
"Before I joined my father, I got together with a few of my friends and started an NGO for blood donation. We would donate blood ourselves and encourage others to donate. This NGO is very close to my heart. We still run it, and we are adding more and more members each year. So far I have donated 40 units of blood, which I am so proud to do."
We were lucky enough to have two white male cats, "twins", adopted from an animal shelter. I had a Siamese cat years ago so the meaning of them is twofold. My boys were talkative, just like a Siamese cat is.Beautiful, with a lovely shellac. Precious and such treasures to rest your eyes upon. .
These colorful ornaments are fashioned with great care and meticulous craft! They feel so smooth and solid in the hand. Each bird is unique in its brightly-colored pattern. The birds make ideal and festive additions when tied to a wrapped gift! Each is a small but lovely keepsake. Thank you, Mr. Hussain, for sharing your talent. I always share where this gift is from, and the artist's name, as ... read more
I order this box and the round one and received them today. I have to say I am blown away by the beauty and craftsmanship of these little boxes! I got them to put jewelry gifts in but now I'm very tempted to keep them for myself! Fida Hussain, you are very talented!
I purchased this box because I particularly like lacquerware. I already got Japanese, Thai, Russian and Chinese and I thought it would be a nice addition.While it isn't the most detailed drawing, and the application of colours it's more on the naïve side. It is indeed a very beautiful addition and a superb display of Indian traditional craftmanship.
Each bird is beautifully painted with exacting detail. Colors are bright and realistic. These are unique ornaments that can be used on a holiday tree or hung in windows to brighten up the view. These are "museum-quality" bits of folk art.
The beauty of craftsmanship literally took away my breath. I purchased both this and Majestic Cat for my collection, and I absolutely love them both. Many, many thanks to the artist.
I love this pair of resting cat containers. Perfect for a few pairs of small earrings, or chain bracelet or necklace. These have such an amusing air, and are fine to display without putting them to any other use.
These colorful ornaments are fashioned with great care and meticulous craft! They feel so smooth and solid in the hand. Each bird is unique in its brightly-colored pattern. The birds make ideal and festive additions when tied to a wrapped gift! Each is a small but lovely keepsake. Thank you, Mr. Hussain, for sharing your talent. I always share where this gift is from, and the artist's name, as every handmade work of art should be recognized and celebrated!!!
Explore colorful, exotic, awe-inspiring India, an ... about
Fida Hussain
papier mache
"I was born and raised in the beautiful valley of Srinagar, Kashmir, which for me is the coolest place on earth. Unfortunately, during the early 1990s, our state was engulfed with violence and to witness it was perhaps one of the worst moments of my life. I had to cut short my studies as it was difficult to leave our homes, schools were closed and, for days, we would stay indoors fearing an attack. It gives me a chill to recall those times. But as they say, life goes on… and so it did for us too!
"On a brighter side, my father is a papier mache craftsman - a family tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. I grew up watching him create beautiful things. When I left school I decided to join my father full time. There already were artisans whom he'd taught working with him.
"Back in those days, I remember seeing such intricately hand-painted fine quality decorations on the papier mache items, which I don't see any more. Since customers are not ready to pay the price it deserves, artisans no longer make such intricate pieces. It's a pity, because after putting in their time and dedication if they don't get their due, they must resort to easier styles to make them more affordable.
"We do occasionally make intricate pieces, but when the customers are not ready to pay, we have to go with the flow. I really want to promote the beauty of this papier mache craft, which we have inherited from our ancestors.
"Most of our designs are our own creations, and they are mostly inspired from ancient styles and motifs. Nature and the scenic beauty of Kashmir also inspire us, and you would see that in our art works. Apart from the traditional boxes, bowls and ornaments, we also specialize in figures.
"Earlier, when my father was alone, the way to sell his products was through local stores in Srinagar but since I've joined him, we have also started participating in government sponsored exhibitions, and we also have started supplying government emporiums and cottage industries.
"My two elder brothers are also actively working with my father. I feel so proud to be able to share the same platform with my father. He is such a great artist! My mother is also an artist and she does needle embroidery work along with my sister.
"Before I joined my father, I got together with a few of my friends and started an NGO for blood donation. We would donate blood ourselves and encourage others to donate. This NGO is very close to my heart. We still run it, and we are adding more and more members each year. So far I have donated 40 units of blood, which I am so proud to do."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace
New Delhi, India
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Explore colorful, exotic, awe-inspiring India, an ancient center of cultural innovation and trade. Today, the diverse heritage of this vast sub-continent can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that Indian artisans use to create a vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of a land best described as incredible — Incredible India.
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
Maker BadgeJob Creator
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
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Fida Hussain
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