Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls

Product details

Pashmina is a luxurious and soft fabric made from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, native to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh in the Himalayas. Known for its warmth, fineness, and light weight, Pashmina shawls are a traditional craft of Kashmir that have gained worldwide recognition. Origin of Pashmina Shawls. Pashmina has a long history, dating back several centuries. It is believed to have been introduced to India by Persian and Central Asian travelers, traders, and rulers. The word "Pashmina" comes from the Persian word "Pashm," which means "soft gold" or "soft wool." By the 15th century, Pashmina had become a highly sought-after fabric in the Mughal court, with Emperor Akbar playing a major role in popularizing the use of Pashmina shawls in India. Types of Pashmina Shawls. 1. Kani Pashmina Shawl, Handwoven using wooden sticks or kanis. The intricate patterns and bright colors make them a high-end luxury product. 2. Loom-Woven Pashmina Shawl, Woven on a traditional handloom, these shawls are less expensive than the Kani variety but still exhibit remarkable craftsmanship. 3. Embroidered Pashmina Shawl, Hand-embroidered with traditional Kashmiri motifs, such as paisleys and flowers, using threads made of silk or cotton. Quality of Pashmina Shawls. Pashmina is categorized by its fineness, measured in microns. The best Pashmina fibers are between 12-16 microns in diameter, making the shawls extremely soft and warm. Lower-quality variants may have fibers with diameters up to 19 microns. High-quality Pashmina is lightweight and can easily pass through a ring, signifying its fineness and delicacy. GI Tag for Pashmina Shawls. Kashmiri Pashmina shawls were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect this traditional craft from counterfeiting and to preserve its authenticity. The GI tag certifies that the shawl originates from Kashmir and is made using traditional techniques and genuine Pashmina wool. This also helps to protect the economic interests of local artisans and maintain the cultural heritage of Kashmir. How to Identify Original Pashmina Shawls vs. Fake. 1. Touch and Texture, Authentic Pashmina feels soft, warm, and light, while fake Pashmina (made from synthetic materials) may feel coarser and heavier. 2. Ring Test. A real Pashmina shawl is so fine that it can pass through a small ring effortlessly. 3. Burn Test, Genuine Pashmina wool smells like burning hair when a small thread is burnt, whereas synthetic fibers smell like burning plastic. 4. Price. Authentic Pashmina shawls are expensive due to the labor-intensive process and the rarity of the wool. If the price seems too low, it's likely a fake. 5. Certification, Look for the GI certification label or hologram issued by the government or authorized body, which guarantees the shawl’s authenticity.

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