ASG holds presentation on Kashmiri embroideries

Islamabad : The Asian Study Group (ASG) has organised a presentation on the art of the Kashmir shawls to understand why generations later, people around the world are still so enthralled by these hand-woven works of art. The ‘Kashmiri’ shawl has become a symbol of prosperity and luxury in the contemporary world, often passed from one generation to another as a family heirloom!

It is said that the first ever Kashmiri shawl was made in the 1500s during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. So enamoured was Akbar with this luxurious textile that he established imperial workshops to encourage the growth of the Kashmiri shawl.

The earliest Kashmiri shawls had a plain background with borders featuring large floral sprays, flower vases, and pinecones. The ‘buti’ (flower in Urdu) is one of the most popular motifs found in Kashmiri shawls. This teardrop-shaped motif is a fusion of a stylised floral spray and a cedar tree: a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. The cedar represents strength and resistance but also modesty!

You will get to see the ‘buti’ and other motifs that make up the vibrant shawl patinas during the presentation/demonstration...an opportunity not to be missed!

Venue: Details of the event venue will be communicated upon registration.

Deadline for registration: Thursday March 7, at London Book Company - Kohsaar Market, F-6/3, at 3:00 pm. The talk and demonstration will start at 3:15 p.m.