An ancient form of papier-mache crafting from north India is on the verge of disappearing.

Kashmir papier-mache, or Sakhtasazi, is a handicraft that has been practiced for at least 700 years, in which paper pulp is incorporated into intricately decorated artifacts such as paper-mache boxes, bowls, elephant models, cups and many other useful items.

Recent economic troubles in the region of Jammu and Kashmir are believed to have led to the closure of several Sakhtasazi workshops, pushing the rare craft into further decline.

It is said that the technique of paper-mache was introduced in Kashmir by the Persian mystic Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, also known as Shah-e-Hamdan in Kashmir.

There are two important stages of the craft - Satsazi and Naqshi.

In Satsazi, the first stage of making Kashmiri paper-mache items, the paper pulp is soaked in water for three or four days. It is then poured into a stone mortar and ground so that all uniformity of paper is uniform. The pulp is left in the sun to dry before mixing it with gum.

During Naqshi, the carving phase, a base coat of paint is applied. The artist then creates his design by hand outside of the paper-mache object. Traditional artists often use dyes derived from mineral, organic, or botanical bases.

The 700-year-old Kashmiri papier mache craft is on the verge of disappearing. Artisans on the verge of leaving

Kashmir paper mache is a handicraft in which paper pulp is incorporated into intricately decorated artifacts such as paper mache boxes, bowls, elephant models, cups and many other useful items.

The colors used in paper mache are mineral, organic or vegetable based. Naturally the paint for painting was made from natural indegerent and minerals,

It is said that the technique of paper mache was introduced in Kashmir by the Persian mystic Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, also known as Shah-e-Hamdan in Kashmir.

There are two important aspects of Kashmiri paper mache - Sakhaszi and Naqshi. The first phase, Satsazi, involves making the foundation of a paper sculpture or object with paper pulp, while carving is the final stage of painting and decoration.

In the Satsaji stage of making Kashmiri paper mach items, the paper pulp is soaked in water for three or four days. It is then poured into stone mortar and ground so that all uniformity of paper is uniform. The pulp is left in the sun to dry before mixing it with gum.

During the carving phase, a base coat of paint is applied. The artist then creates his design by hand outside of the paper mache object, meaning that there are no Kashmiri paper mache items. Traditional artists often use dyes derived from mineral, organic, or botanical bases.

Common themes that appear on Kashmiri paper mache products include flowers, box patterns, jungle motifs, and Kashmiri symbols such as almonds and poplar, a five-point leaf.