Antique Kashmiri Serving Dish
Kashmiri copper was always recognized by its engraving. In the old suites and kitchens of the valley, the naqsheen nigari moved differently — the motifs denser, the borders more layered than the Lahori style. A piece made in that tradition announces itself by feel before it announces itself by look....
The Craft
Hand-Hammering
Raised from a flat sheet under thousands of hammer blows, the dimpled surface a record of the making.
Cutwork
Openwork lace pierced clean through the metal by hand with a fine needle.
Engraving / Qalamzani
Cut into the metal line by line with a fine steel chisel, the qalam.
Naqsheen
Floral and geometric patterns chased into the surface freehand by the naqash.
Used in this pieceSand Casting
Molten brass poured into a sand mould packed by hand, then broken open to free the piece.