Kashmiri paper
Kashmiri handmade paper
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kashmiri paper (Kashmiri: Koshur kagaz) is a handmade paper from Kashmir. Introduced in the 15th century, the paper was renowned for its white color, smooth texture and lack of imperfections, features uncommon before the paper machine.[1]
Koshur kagaz | |
| Type | Handmade paper |
|---|---|
| Material | Rags, hemp, sunn hemp |
| Place of origin | Kashmir |
| Introduced | 15th century |
| Manufacturer | Kashmiri people |
History
In the 15th century in the Kashmir Sultanate, Zayn al-Abidin the Great granted jagirs to Samarkand papermakers to establish a domestic paper industry. Other Northwestern South Asian papermakers, or kághazis, claimed lineage from Kashmiri papermaking for prestige, such as the kághazis of Sialkot. Kághazis were majority Muslims as rag-picking was taboo among Hindus. By the 19th century, kághazis across the Indian subcontinent struggled to compete against the rise of jail industry, imported paper and mechanization.[2][3][4]
Kashmiri paper saw some resurgence with the 20th century Swadeshi movement, but has largely remained a niche industry.[5][2]
Production
Kashmiri paper is a rag and hemp-based paper. Sunn hemp was sometimes favored over true hemp. Constituent fibers are beaten, retted in lye, then sun-bleached into pulp cakes. The cakes are dissolved into a slurry, screened with a deckle in two layers, then pasted on a wall to dry. The dried sheets are sized in a three-part process: first, the paper is abraded; second, rice flour is worked into the paper; and finally, the surface is burnished. The sizing process can be repeated multiple times for higher grade, glossier finishes.[1]
