Fida Hussain

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

"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."

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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.

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children

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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Alternate image for Papier Mache Bell Ornaments Set of 5 from India Bells of Kashmir

$29.99

Item Detail

Papier Mache Bell Ornaments Set of 5 from India 'Bells of Kashmir'

$29.99

(4)

Comments

Lucille These are so nicely done. Detail is great. They'll be happy on a small tree or a large one. Hope to get more of these happy little decorations,

3 more comments

Alternate image for Flowers on Papier Mache Decorative Box from India Rose Grandeur

$29.99

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Flowers on Papier Mache Decorative Box from India 'Rose Grandeur'

$29.99

(2)

Comments

Ismael 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.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Four Colorful Papier Mache Bird Ornaments from India Chirping Sparrows

$27.99

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Four Colorful Papier Mache Bird Ornaments from India 'Chirping Sparrows'

$27.99

(3)

Comments

Barbara I plan to use these as gifts, and they're just perfect! 4 beautiful bird ornaments that I know people will really enjoy. Thank you!

2 more comments

Alternate image for Indian Handcrafted Cat Theme Papier Mache Boxes Pair Contented Kitties

$39.99

Item Detail

Indian Handcrafted Cat Theme Papier Mache Boxes Pair 'Contented Kitties'

$39.99

(2)

Comments

Robin 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. .

1 more comment

28 Reviews for

December 23, 2025

Creator Review Studio - From our community

Beautiful box with stunning details. Perfect for my new jewelry!

Reviewed item

July 24, 2023

S Sue

These are adorable and well made!

Reviewed item

October 23, 2022

R Robin

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. .

Reviewed item

September 10, 2022

D Diane

This cat is so adorable and it has a place to hide a little treasure inside.

Reviewed item

August 26, 2022

J Janet

A gift for an avid bird lover and watcher.Very nice.THANK YOU!

Reviewed item

April 6, 2022

M Molly

Bought these because they were TOO CUTE!!! gave one to my bf and the other to my bff and they both loved them. Adorable!!! :3

Reviewed item

March 27, 2022

B Barbara

I plan to use these as gifts, and they're just perfect! 4 beautiful bird ornaments that I know people will really enjoy. Thank you!

Reviewed item

November 29, 2021

K Kate

I bought these for my cat loving teen granddaughter...very lovely!

Reviewed item

November 24, 2021

S Su

These are really cute and they are useful as they hold my earrings. Glad I bought them.

Reviewed item

November 11, 2021

L Lucille

These are so nicely done. Detail is great. They'll be happy on a small tree or a large one. Hope to get more of these happy little decorations,

Reviewed item

November 5, 2021

D Diya

These are larger and more detailed than expected - a lovely, colorful addition to any bird lover's tree or decor.

Reviewed item

September 12, 2021

J Janine M.

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

Reviewed item

August 28, 2021

S Sandra

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!

Reviewed item

June 10, 2021

K Katherine

This gorgeous box will be given as a gift. It will be treasured!

Reviewed item

May 15, 2021

D Deborah

the birds are beautiful and light weight. I have five of them hanging from my dining room chandelier. Why wait for Christmas?

Reviewed item

May 15, 2021

D Deborah

Bright colors and elephants. Looking forward to seeing them on the tree in December.

Reviewed item

April 20, 2021

I Ismael

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.

Reviewed item

April 2, 2021

H Hannah

These are stunning.

Reviewed item

February 1, 2021

K Kathi

I did purchase these for a friend who loves Elephants but she's only getting 2 and I am keeping 4! Beautifully crafted...

Reviewed item

January 18, 2021

N Nicholas

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.

Reviewed item

December 19, 2020

C Carol

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.

Reviewed item

November 23, 2020

E Elizabeth

My daughter's middle name is Rose & she adored this box.

Reviewed item

October 4, 2020

M Martha

These are simply beautiful. I am excited about giving them as a gift, as I know they will be warmly received and much appreciated.

Reviewed item

February 12, 2020

L Linda

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.

Reviewed item

November 29, 2019

R Ricki

These ornaments are even more beautiful than the photos. The colors are so vibrant and the artistry is quite accomplished. Love them.

Reviewed item

October 24, 2018

S Susan

THESE KITTENS ARE ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. VERY WELL MADE AND THE BLUE EYES ARE STRIKING. I AM REALLY PLEASED WITH THIS PURCHASE SO THANKS!!

Reviewed item

September 21, 2018

K Kathryn

I bought these needing six ornaments for six employees, but only five bells arrived.