Original Jaffar Ali Paper Maché Platters for Wall Hanging- a Pair

Both trays/ platters are in good condition for their age and for their delicate nature. Some chips in the varnished finish but no major gouges or chunks missing. Please see photos for a better idea of the condition. Purchased at the same time, and considering the similarities between the two I assume they are both by Jaffar Ali, even though only one is documented as such. Below I’ve included a synopsis of the history and technique of paper mache art.

A portion of this sale will be donated to current paper mache artists in the region to help them keep their craft going. At this time, the craft is on the brink of extinction in the area, so I would like to donate 15% of the proceeds on this sale. Thanks for helping make it possible!

Kashmir papier mache is a traditional craft among Shiite Muslims of the valley. It was possibly introduced in Kashmir by the artisans from Central Asia ( Samarkand ) during the rule of Sultan Zain ul Abdin .From pulp to the finished product , it s a long journey . Pulp is made of paper soaked in water for about five weeks .This pulp is then made to dry in open sunshine . This dried paper is powdered and mixed with rice water so that it can easily coagulate . This mixture is then put in moulds .Papier mache objects are then released from these moulds once they get shaped ,and become dry.These objects are then given two rough coats of coloured paint . The objects are made smooth with pumice stones and again coated with glue and fine tissue paper .A fine razor blade is then used to remove the bumps on the surface .Now joins a team of very skilled artist for finishing the objects. They again give a base coat with paint and the master artist beautifully sketches details on each object with a soft hair brush. Another artist colours the sketches with poster paints . This is followed by drying prior to which two coats of varnish are also applied . Thereafter artists also add 22 carat gold or silver outlines to the sketches . The object is again given a coat of varnish to make it appear glossy. The inner surfaces are coated with black paint .The object is now ready with floral designs , birds ,maple leaves , animals ,almond eyed women , other motifs and Mughal period images.