Khatumbandh
There are different theories and stories about the art of khatumbandh and its origin. Some say it was brought to Kashmir in 1541 by Mirza Hyder Tughlaq in Mughal times and some believe that Khatumbandh was brought to Kashmir during the 14th century by famous saint Shah-i-Hamdaan who visited the Himalayan valley along with many followers that also included Khatumbandh artists from Iran. These artisans passed on this art to local Kashmiris.
Khatumbandh in Kashmir:
Khatumbandh is an art of making ceilings, by fitting Khatumbandh in Kashmir small pieces of wood (preferably walnut or deodar wood) into each other in geometrical patterns.
Art of making Khatumbandh.
All this is done entirely with hands without the use of nails. The wood is processed, cut into batons and panels and fixed in the ceiling in various floral and geometrical designs. Indeed a painstaking work, which once used to take months to finish 10 feet by 10 feet ceiling. The uniqueness of this art is that when the ceiling is complete, it acquires a unique geometrical pattern. With fewer or no nails used at all, the Khatumbandh ceiling can easily be dissembled and re-assembled at another place.
About Project:
The project proposes technology and production based intervention in the area of Khatumbandh in Srinagar valley, Kashmir.
The project is envisaged a design development exercise involving professional designers, local artisans, manufacturers and traders engaged in the production of Khatumbandh. The scope of the project also proposes to research and identify issues, concerns and bottlenecks toward quality and commercially viable production from Kashmir, for domestic and international markets.
Objectives of the Project:
• Design Development of a system for ease of laying the tiles through innovating joinery & detailing.
• Explore & develop alternative surface decoration and finishing techniques in the context of international markets.
• To Explore & demonstrate the integration of modern technology with traditional techniques & skills based on towards competitive design & production, in the context of present and futures markets.
• Design Development to ease assembly and packaging.
• Design Development to appreciate optimal use of raw material and human resources in production and assembly.
• Generate Knowledge base and reference material in the above context to initiate further development.
The approach in this project was to design a system that brings inconsistency, larger manufacturing capabilities and time-saving installation concepts. I would like to acknowledge the Craft Development Institute, Srinagar for their local coordination and building an interface with the craftsmen who agreed to work on this project with us.
