Papier-mâché craft cooperatives in Srinagar are reporting their strongest export order books in five years ahead of the festive season, artisans said, aided by new tie-ups with e-commerce platforms specialising in handicrafts.
Cooperative leaders said younger artisans have increasingly combined traditional motifs with contemporary colour palettes to appeal to overseas buyers, particularly in North American and European markets.
The state handicrafts department said it was expanding GI-tag verification services to help buyers distinguish authentic Kashmiri papier-mâché from lower-cost imitations sold under similar branding.
Buyers want to know the story behind the piece now, not just the price. That has changed how we sell.
