Ritu Kumar

The Kanni shawl, particularly loved by the the shahs and rajas of Kashmir, dates back to the 14th century. Meticulously made by kannis (wooden sticks), and embroidered thread by thread, kanis are identified by their striking paisley motifs and recreations of local flora. Kannis were historically large (the size of a modern bedcover) – each piece intricate and exquisite. Precious jamawars could take a decade or more to complete. The technique required to make fine Kashmiri shawls saw a decline at the onset of the industrial revolution. Prints and weaves were recreated mechanically in countries like France and the United Kingdom. However, the beauty and intricacy of the original weaves remains unmatched. #RituKumar #RituKumar