The beauty of the willow wicker craft lies in the intricately woven details of the wicker. With seamless patterns and perseverance, artisans make something beautiful out of dried plant reeds. Willow wicker from Kashmir is one of the many crafts that tells a unique story with each piece of item that is handwoven to perfection.
What Is Willow Wicker Craft?
Wicker is a pliable twig, typically of willow, which is woven or plaited to make various items that are used at home. Some of these items can be baskets, furniture, and other household items. Willow wicker craft is the term used for the art of making products with the use of willow wicker. With lots of history and generations of people in this craft, you can be certain that these handwoven products reflect that in their beautiful patterns and designs.
Willow wicker craft is an extremely popular home decor item today. Get handmade home decor items to beautify your home.
Origin & History Of Willow Wicker Of Kashmir
The willow weaving craft is known to be introduced in the early 19th century to Kashmir natives. This craft can be traced back to central Europe before it became a craft that Jammu and Kashmir is now known as the main producer of. Earlier to this, Kashmiri artisans were known to produce willow-wicker Kashmir baskets.
This trade not only helped farmers but also served as a way to create baskets for transporting and storing goods. Tribal communities used raw materials like willows for making products like baskets and mats with a method known as Kangri. Hence, the products manufactured with this willow weaving method were known as Kashmiri Kangris.
In Jammu and Kashmir, these intricately handwoven wicker works or products are referred to as Keani Keam or Veer Kani.
Kashmiri Kangris, Image Credit:- Pinterest
Process Of Willow Wicker Weaving
The process used for the willow weaving craft is still the traditional technique. Even though this art has been commercialised, Kashmir artisans still use the same traditional techniques to make these Kashmiri handicrafts. There have been some modifications which have been made to help increase the products’ sale value. This is the step-by-step process followed in the making of Kashmir willow wicker products.
- The saplings for willow are sown sometime between February and March and are then harvested in October.
- The plant stem which is known as withy, is arranged according to their girth and length.
- These stems are then sold by farmers to contractors who are involved in the manufacturing of willow wicker in Kashmir.
- These contractors send the stems to artisans in enough quantity to make the products they have been contracted to make.
- To soften the steams and make them pliable, artisans boil them in a huge water boiler for a night.
- After softening them, the stem’s bark is removed with Zealan, a unique stick in Kashmir.
- The stems are then dried under direct sunlight for several days in order to remove moisture from them completely.
- Thoroughly dried stems are then used by artisans to make Kashmiri handicrafts they have been commissioned to make.
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They further smoothen, cut, or even dye the stems as per the product requirements.
Products Made In This Weaving
With this willow wicker from Kashmir crafts, there are lots of items, both lightweight and heavy, which are made. These items take patience, dedication, and hard work, some longer than others.
If you’re looking for lightweight or small willow wicker wooden craft items to purchase, you can get items like tiffin boxes, baskets, certain pieces to keep your items or jewellery, wall hangings, and even light fixtures. There are so many wicker work items you can get from this craft to add to your home.
There are also heavy and large items that are made in willow wicker weaving. These products are usually made with thick willow logs rather than small and tiny willow wicker for smaller items. This is used to build the foundation of the item and for intricate details, the tiny pliable willow wickers are used. You can get furniture products from this craft like tables, chairs, lampshades, and lots more.
Explore the beauty of Kashmir willow from the wide variety of products that are made from this craft. There are lots of different options of items to choose from to fill your home with and support these Indian artisans.
The popularity of Wicker Willow
With all this history and beauty of wicker weaves, you’re probably already picturing how it would be to have these handwoven crafts in your home. iTokri brings you a range of wicker wooden craft items that you can display in your home. Some of these items include this beautiful Wicker Hanging Wall Lamp. It is unique and intricately made of willow wicker and it is the perfect home decor to add a touch of warm and welcoming feel to your home. You can check out various handmade baskets for home utility and decor. iTokri, is an Indian handicrafts online store that brings authentic products for you directly from the artisans.
FAQs on Willow Wicker Craft
Q. What is Willow Wicker?
A: Willow wicker is a type of pliable piece of wood that is used in the weaving of various handicrafts from baskets to other items for your home. Willow basket making is simply one of the many ways that willow wicker is used.
Q. Willow wicker weaving is from which state?
A: Willow weaving is known to be produced in abundance in every region in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir willow comes in various forms and is used to make numerous domestic products.
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