What is the Kani weaving technique from Kashmir?

Kani weaving is Kashmir's oldest handicraft, utilizing small wooden spools to interlock colored pashmina threads and create intricate patterns guided by a coded script called taleem.

How long does it take to make a Kani shawl?

The creation of a single Kani shawl is a slow process, potentially taking between three months and a full year to complete.

Are Kani shawls still being made with traditional methods?

Yes, while some have adapted with different materials, purists continue to practice Kani weaving entirely in pashmina, and some innovate by blending it with other luxurious materials like Banarasi zari.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kani Shawls: A Timeless Craft Reimagined

Kani Shawls: A Timeless Craft Reimagined

6 Feb

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Summary

Kani weaving is Kashmir's oldest handicraft, using small wooden spools.
A handwoven kani shawl is feather-light yet insulating and warm.
Creating a single kani shawl can take between three months and a year.

Kani Shawls: A Timeless Craft Reimagined

Kani weaving, recognized as the oldest handicraft of Kashmir, employs a unique technique using small wooden spools called 'kanis'. Colored pashmina threads are wound onto these spools and interlocked with a base yarn to form intricate patterns guided by a coded script known as 'taleem'. Historians suggest this art form was inspired by Persian tapestry art and was institutionalized in the 15th century.

These handwoven kani shawls are celebrated for their artistry, warmth, and premium feel. Crafted predominantly from fine pashmina, they are exceptionally light yet provide significant insulation. The intricate weaving process is time-consuming, with a single shawl potentially taking between three months and a year to finish, placing them in the ultra-luxury category.

While some artisans now use alternative base fabrics for economic reasons, purists continue to use pure pashmina, and some have innovated by blending kani weaving with materials like Banarasi zari. Contemporary designers are incorporating diverse motifs, drawing from various cultures, though traditional patterns like chinar and paisleys remain popular.