Rasheem Kaleen

If you are keen of keeping beautiful art pieces, then this reshmee kaleen from Kashmir would be best art piece for your home. They are famous for intricate hand knotting technique which makes it highly priced piece of art. This delicate piece relies on tough and durable strength which can withstand much pressure and last for lifetime. Their complex and finely detailed designs are made without any use of visual reference but only reply on hand written script known as Taalim.

Usage –

These carpets are used as floor covering but their usage included furniture coverings and wall hangings. The techniques used in carpets are adding considerable strength which add durability and life span. Most of the carpets have good lifespan and it is considered as lifelong investment.

Significance –

There is popular belief that Kashmiri carpet is soul of the house and without it, any house would be incomplete. This craft of wearing carpet has been passed from one generation to another generation. Carpets are woven which is handwritten color coded. There is instruction which is used as guide for weaving. The eldest family member would instruct the younger member the colored knot to be placed next by singing the instructions in unique chant. Each Weaver would weave according to colors in design working in symmetrical manner.

History –

• It is one of oldest known crafts and have deep roots in Asia.
• Nomads first produced rugs and carpets before Christ birth.
• Insulating their tents with carpets and rugs to protect from the harsh winters of the dessert.
• Carpet and flooring forms an integral part of homes furnishings. 
• Akbar laid down the foundation for the extensive carpet weaving as he was disappointed by lack of luxuries.
• Carpets are inspired from Persian style. Mughals not only brought techniques of carpet weaving but also traditional Persian designs.

 Designs –

• Strong Persian influence
• Designs found in carrots are similar to Persian paintings.
• Nature is an inspiration for these designs.
• Buds, flowers, animals, vines are used commonly.
• Some designs are inspired from Persian verses.
• Trees of life pattern appear symmetric.

Motifs on the carpets are divided into three groups –

Body motifs –

• They cover maximum area for carpet and are repeating designs.

Border motifs –

• Decorating lateral bands of carpet and they are designs of lattice work which consists of flowers and leaf borders.
• Blooming flowers are used and smaller motifs are used for small borders. Simple single coloured line is woven between broad and thin border which gives more breathing space and enhance each motif importance.
• Script is from name of weaver or even part of Quran written on it. There are stylish patterns of animals and birds are used.

 Challenges –

• Weaver faces a lot of health issue which involve backache and joint pains due to long hours of sitting on floor and wearing for long hours.
• The industry is going through a slow downfall. The artisans whose families are engaged in carpet preparation are slowly turning towards other professions due to low profits.
• Exports of Kashmiris carpets ha e gone down. Major export markets for the carpets are in US, UK, Australia and Canada.
• Lack of financial resources, lack of growth of Kashmir carpet industry
• lack of modern technology
• Lack of duplicate Kashmiri carpets
• Lack of training
• Lack of innovations.