The Timeless Elegance of Pashmina
Pashmina, a symbol of elegance and luxury, is the most refined version of cashmere and one of the finest-quality wools available on Earth.
The softness and warmth offered by these shawls are simply beyond comparison. Kashmir has been known for producing the most exclusive Pashmina shawls in the world ever since the reign of Emperor Ashok.
The Rich History of Pashmina
The word pashmina comes from the Persian word "pashm,” meaning a weavable fiber, specifically wool.
The Journey of Pashmina
The journey of Pashmina, often called ‘gold wool,’ begins among the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas.
The wool is obtained from the undercoat of a specific breed of goats found in the high altitudes of the Changthang region of the Himalayas. Changthang is in the region of eastern Ladakh, a newly formed Union Territory in India, and an extension of the Tibetan Plateau to the west. Often referred to as the rooftop of the world, Changthang is at an altitude of about 4600 meters above sea level, with harsh climatic conditions and temperatures dropping to -40°C.
To survive in this extreme climate, nature has bestowed the Changthangi goats with fine Pashmina Cashmere wool. The wool is fine, soft, and exceptionally warm. The diameter of the Pashmina fibers is between 12 and 15 microns. The wool is harvested by combing the softer and longer hair produced by the goat. The fibers obtained are then washed, sorted, and finally transported to Kashmir, the only region in the world to master the delicate art of weaving Pashmina.
The Craftsmanship Behind Each Shawl
Once this Pashm reaches the weavers, they begin shaping their masterpiece. It takes years of meticulous craftsmanship to create each exquisite Pashmina shawl. When you buy one of these shawls, not only do you receive a piece of the gold wool, but also an experience that stems from years of hard work from some of the best artisans of Kashmir.
Pashmina Styles and Designs
Apart from plain solid and texture weaves, Pashmina also comes with hand-embroidered and woven designs for those who love to style and are fashion-conscious, adding a mesmerizing appeal to their outfits.
Sozni
Sozni is a marriage of art and imagination. For Sozni embroidery, thin needles with silk threads are used to create paisley or elaborate floral patterns on Pashmina shawls and stoles. The needlework panel of abstracts or flower motif designs on the borders of the shawls is created with a satin stitch and has identical designs on both sides of the shawl.
Kalamkari
Kalamkari is a unification of two words: "kalam" (brush) and "kari" (work): the work of the pen. The intricacy with which Kalamkari is done involves a kalamkar (worker) who traditionally uses bamboo and wooden-cut pens dipped in inks made from vegetable pigment.
| Our Collection at Indus Weavers
At Indus Weavers, our shawl styles range from traditional and timeless to fashion-forward and contemporary. We offer exquisite embellishments and intricate designs that are fondly cherished as treasured heirlooms. Explore our collection and experience the luxurious world of Pashmina.
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