Papier-mâché is French and literally translates as "chewed paper"; this term currently describes objects made by moulding paper pulp in various shapes and then having them decorated with multicoloured designs.
Kashmir papier-mâché is a handicraft typical of the region of Kashmir that was introduced by Muslims from Persia during the 15th century and is based primarily on paper pulp being transformed into a richly decorated, colourful artifact, generally in the form of vases, bowls, or cups, boxes, trays, bases of lamps, and many other small objects. During the Mughal era, its use was extended to include many items of home furniture which were also made in Kashmir.
Nowadays Papier-mâché objects are made in homes and workshops, in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley, and are marketed primarily within India, although there is a significant international market as well.
Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Nowadays, it denotes a much larger area that includes the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani-administered territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and Chinese-administered territories of Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract.