8 Surprising Facts About Kashmiri Shawls
Kashmiri shawls are distinguished by their luxury, high quality, and opulence. They offer a balanced warmth and comfort with style.
Known for their fine wool, skilled weaving and embroidery, and soft texture, Kashmir shawls are highly prized. These shawls were an item of luxury often worn by royalty. They were passed down from generation to generation. There is a myth that both Napoleon Bonaparte's wives received Kashmir shawls from him in the 19th century. Kashmiri shawls were also exported to England and France during this time.
Kashmiri shawls are distinguished by their luxury, high quality, and opulence. They offer a balanced warmth and comfort with style. A pure Kashmiri Pashmina shawl is truly a timeless masterpiece that has a rich legacy of over 500+ years.
How were Kashmir shawls made?
Until the 19th century, all Kashmiri shawls were handmade. It took between six months and a year to make one shawl. A pashmina shawl is made from the underhair of a pashmina goat, which lives in the highland plains of Tibet, Nepal and Ladakh. Kashmir, located on the borders of India, Pakistan, and China, had imported this highly sought-after wool, which was separated by colour, spun into yarn, and weaved.
Until the 17th century, pashmina wool was not dyed, and Kashmiri shawls were white, brown, gray or black. Later, it became more fashionable to colour the wool with natural dyes of dark blue, red and saffron yellow.
8 Surprising Facts About Kashmiri Shawls
Symbols of luxury and elegance, Kashmiri shawls are popular all over the world. Those who wear a Kashmiri shawl know the feeling only women can. The most important quality of these shawls is their softness. Here are some interesting and surprising facts about Kashmiri shawls that you never knew!
- Also Known as Pashmina Shawls
Kashmiri Shawls are also known as pashmina shawls because they are made from the hair of pashmina goats which are found on the high plains of Tibet and Nepal. Shawls like these are considered symbols of royalty. These pashmina goats are rarely found and the fleece they produce is also limited.
2. A Source Of Employment
Thousands of people work to make these kashmiri shawls. The pashmina fibers are manually sorted and cleaned before the weaving process. The undercoat of these goats has dandruff and other impurities, so they are first cleaned. Then the fibres are sent to be woven.
3. High Quality and Expensive
Many international brands use these Indian shawls for sale since they are made with one of the finest and highest quality wool on the international market. The quality of all types of Kashmiri shawls is exceptional and the wool is very soft.
Since these shawls are made of very fine wool and embroidered by highly skilled weavers, their prices are quite high. Before the 19th century, these shawls were made by hand. They took six months to one year to complete.
The pashmina wool of these shawls was not dyed earlier, so they were mostly brown, white, gray, and black. Later, they were dyed blue, red, and yellow to reflect the changing fashion. Even the rulers of that time were known for their Kashmiri shawls.
4. Pattern of Shawls
The softness of pure pashmina or the technique used can be used to identify these shawls. As Mughal emperors favored floral designs in their textiles, architecture, and works of art, floral patterns were popular on Kashmir shawls in the 17th century.
5. Different Ways to Wear Kashmir Shawls
Traditionally, both women and men Kashmiri shawls have been famous with an exception to wearing style. The way of wearing these shawls also depends on the pattern or designing of these shawls.
If the shawls have all over work then it would be draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body. If only the borders of the shawls are woven then it would be better to wear them around the neck like a scarf or we can also tie the shawl around the waist.
6. Kashmir Shawls: A Sign of Royalty
The Kashmiri shawls are considered to be antique and a sign of royalty even today. Kashmiri fabrics in India are eight times warmer than regular sheep wool.The majority of pashmina shawls are cream in color. In the international fabric market, particularly in the US and European markets, these shawls are in high demand.
Over the past few years, woven Kashmiri shawls have become a status symbol. People who wear Kashmir shawls are considered to be of high class. It is undeniable that a lot of people earn their livelihoods through the production of these shawls at various stages. To weave one pashmina shawl takes a long time.
7. Weaving of Kashmiri Shawls Need Skilled Workers
Handcrafted in Kashmir by skilled and experienced artisans, the Pashmina designer shawls online are available on many ecommerce platforms. These shawls are not easy to make for another craftsman. Performing such a magnificent piece of work requires expertise and adept skills. This art of weaving finest Kashmiri embroidery is passed on from one generation to another and has become a tradition in Kashmir.
8. Need Proper Care and Storage
No matter where you buy Kashmiri shawls or what retailer or wholesaler you purchase from, Kashmiri shawls and hand embroidery designs require special care and storage. Keeping them unused for a longer time can damage their fibers. If you have woolen clothing, wash it with a detergent that is mild.
Buy pure and classy Kashmir shawls from Hanggul. The trendy and vibrant designs by Hanggul are just like a wine that intoxicates us with its texture and its softness. Buy pashmina shawls online today and delve into the world of sophistication and elegance. By offering certified quality products, luxurious packaging, and free shipping across India, we give you the best experience.