Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 25: Mir Arshad Hussain, a renowned papier-mâché artist from Bota Kadal, Srinagar, has brought international recognition to Kashmir by securing first prize at the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e-Simin) held in Tehran, Iran.
His fusion papier-mâché wall plate stood out among 7,000 entries from across the world, winning the prestigious award.
Mir Arshad expressed his joy and called for preserving Kashmir’s traditional crafts.
“This art form is in a declining state, and I hope this recognition helps in reviving it. It is part of our culture and tradition, and it must be passed on to future generations,” he said.
Having learned the craft from his father, Arshad has been practising papier-mâché for 30-35 years. However, he said the art is facing challenges. He called for government intervention to promote and create markets for papier-mâché products.
“For this art to survive, efforts must be made to encourage younger generations to take it up. The government should focus on its revival,” he said.
Recognising his achievement, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir praised his efforts, saying, “Winning hearts through art! Many congratulations to Mir Arshad Hussain, an ex-IT engineer and papier-mâché craftsman, for this rare honour. You have made us all proud.”
Papier-mâché is one of Kashmir’s most treasured traditional arts, dating back to the 14th century. It was introduced by Persian artisans and flourished under the patronage of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin.
Known for its intricate hand-painted designs, the art form has been passed down through generations. However, in recent years, it has faced declining interest and market challenges.
