Kashmiri papier-mache bowl gifted by Modi to Indonesian President wins artisan praise
Synopsis
When PM Modi handed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto a hand-painted Kashmiri papier-mache bowl crafted using the centuries-old Naqashi technique, it was more than a diplomatic courtesy — it was a spotlight moment for a craft community fighting to survive. Srinagar artisan Basharat Hussain says the gesture could open global markets and inspire the next generation of Kashmiri craftsmen.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi gifted a traditional Kashmiri papier-mache bowl to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Indonesia .
The bowl was crafted using the Naqashi technique, featuring floral and bird motifs with gold detailing and lacquer finish.
Srinagar artisan Basharat Hussain called the gesture a 'proud moment' for the Kashmir Valley's centuries-old handicraft tradition.
Hussain said the diplomatic showcase could boost global demand for authentic Kashmiri papier-mache and create new opportunities for local craftsmen.
The gesture is seen as part of broader government efforts to promote India's traditional and regional handicrafts on the world stage.
A traditional Kashmiri papier-mache bowl presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Indonesia has drawn heartfelt praise from the Valley's artisan community. Srinagar-based craftsman Basharat Hussain called the gesture a proud moment for Kashmir's centuries-old handicraft tradition and a landmark recognition of its artistic heritage on the world stage.
Artisan's Reaction
Hussain said the Prime Minister's choice of gift reflects genuine appreciation for the skill and dedication of Kashmiri craftsmen. 'Choosing a Kashmiri papier-mache bowl as a gift for the Indonesian President was a matter of pride,' he said, adding that Modi's gesture has brought international attention to one of the region's most celebrated crafts.
According to Hussain, showcasing the handcrafted bowl on a global diplomatic platform sent a positive message about the enduring value of traditional handicrafts. He expressed hope that such visibility would boost demand for authentic Kashmiri papier-mache products and open new markets for local artisans who have long worked to preserve the craft despite significant challenges.
The Craft Behind the Gift
The bowl presented to President Subianto featured intricate floral and bird motifs crafted using the traditional Naqashi technique — a centuries-old style of hand-painting synonymous with Kashmiri decorative arts. The piece is made from processed paper pulp and adorned with hand-painted floral designs, birds, ornamental patterns, and delicate gold detailing, before being sealed with a glossy lacquer that enhances both its appearance and durability.
Notably, papier-mache as a craft form has been practised in the Kashmir Valley for several centuries, with artisans passing down techniques through generations. The Naqashi style, in particular, is recognised for its fine brushwork and vivid palette.
Diplomatic Significance
During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi presented a selection of Indian gifts to President Subianto, with the Kashmiri papier-mache bowl among the offerings. The choice of a regionally crafted, artisan-made object — rather than an industrial or mass-produced item — is widely seen as a deliberate effort to spotlight India's cultural and craft heritage in bilateral diplomacy.
This comes amid broader government efforts to promote traditional handicrafts from rural and semi-urban India on international platforms, including through initiatives targeting geographic indication (GI) tagging and export promotion for indigenous crafts.
Impact on Kashmiri Artisans
Hussain expressed optimism that the international exposure would encourage younger generations in the Valley to take up the art form, which has faced pressure from cheaper machine-made imitations and shifting consumer preferences. He praised Modi's efforts to promote traditional handicrafts from across India on the global stage, calling it a meaningful boost for craftsmen striving to keep indigenous art alive.
With global attention now on Kashmiri papier-mache, artisan communities in Srinagar are hopeful that export demand and cultural tourism could provide a sustainable livelihood pathway for the next generation of craftsmen.
Point of View
And the choice of a hand-painted Kashmiri papier-mache bowl — over, say, a mass-produced souvenir — carries a deliberate signal. It positions India's soft power not in its industrial scale but in its artisanal depth. The question is whether the spotlight translates into structural support: GI enforcement, export facilitation, and design incubation for Kashmiri craftsmen. A single viral diplomatic moment can lift awareness; it cannot by itself reverse the economics of a craft sector undercut by cheap imitations. The government's record on converting cultural showcasing into sustained artisan income is mixed, and Kashmir's handicraft sector has faced particular headwinds over the past decade. The bowl is a good story — but the artisans need a policy chapter to follow it.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi gift to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto?
PM Modi gifted a traditional Kashmiri papier-mache bowl to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Indonesia. The handcrafted bowl featured intricate floral and bird motifs created using the traditional Naqashi technique, with gold detailing and a glossy lacquer finish.
What is the Naqashi technique used in Kashmiri papier-mache?
Naqashi is a centuries-old Kashmiri hand-painting style characterised by fine brushwork, vivid floral and bird motifs, and ornamental patterns. It is the defining decorative method used in traditional Kashmiri papier-mache, applied to objects made from processed paper pulp before a lacquer seal is added.
Who is Basharat Hussain and why did he react to the gift?
Basharat Hussain is a Srinagar-based Kashmiri papier-mache artisan who praised PM Modi's gesture as a proud moment for the Valley's craft community. He said the international diplomatic platform gave global visibility to a centuries-old tradition that local craftsmen have been working hard to preserve.
How could this diplomatic gesture benefit Kashmiri artisans?
According to artisan Basharat Hussain, the international exposure has the potential to increase global demand for authentic Kashmiri papier-mache, create new export opportunities, and encourage younger generations in the Valley to continue the craft. However, sustained impact would depend on complementary policy support such as GI enforcement and export facilitation.
Why is Kashmiri papier-mache considered a significant cultural heritage?
Kashmiri papier-mache has been practised in the Kashmir Valley for several centuries, with artisans passing down the Naqashi painting technique through generations. The craft is recognised for its intricate hand-painted designs, use of natural motifs, and fine gold detailing — making each piece a unique work of art rather than a mass-produced item.
