Maqbool Jan’s Papier-Mâché Journey: From Passion to Mastery

Maqbool Jan, a craftsman from Srinagar’s Lal Bazar neighbourhood, has made an imprint on the world of art with his exquisite craftsmanship and commitment to preserve the traditional craft of papier-mache. He honed his skills over the years, and his exceptional talent garnered recognition.

Jan’s love of papier-mache began when he was only three; after his father’s untimely death while his mother was pregnant with his younger brother, Firdous, he was forced to learn the craft, but it quickly became a way of life for him and his family. “Our whole family is associated with this art, and we have been earning our livelihood very well,” he said. Maqbool Jan’s dedication and passion for papier-mache are an inspiration to many and his enthusiasm for papier-mache has not gone unnoticed. So far, he has taught scores of pupils, all of whom have progressed to mastery of the trade. He thinks that teaching papier-mache in schools will assist to maintain the art form for upcoming generations.

The historic papier-mâché pieces of art from Kashmir are well known worldwide. The art form has a long and rich cultural history and is a mainstay of the market for luxury ornaments. It features scenes from the Mughal court, Arabic passages from the Qur’an, Persian poetry, as well as Kashmir’s best-known tourist destinations, and is intimately associated with the arrival of Islam in Kashmir. The craft is vanishing quickly, though, as there are so few practitioners of this antiquated technique left today, Maqbool Jan being one of them.

“Financial difficulties and the war-torn regional circumstances prompted me to leave school in Class 6 and join a nearby karkhana (factory) producing naqashi. Since we didn’t have much room at home, I would spend the night in the factory and clean it before the workers arrived in the morning.  My employer, Ustad Ghulam Hassan, recognised my talent for art and dedication and instructed me in the fundamentals of the trade. When I eventually mastered the craft, I left the organisation to launch my own company utilising the vintage tools my father had left behind” recalls Maqbool.

Maqbool put in many sleepless hours back then honing his ideas, accuracy, and determining the caliber of raw materials. “I recall that I skipped meals to save money and that my shoe soles were always gone. I dedicated all of my time, money, and effort to papier-mâché in order to make a name for myself and to give the world one more reason to adore Kashmiri art, he claims. Maqbool’s next objective is to have his artwork displayed in state or parliamentary buildings. “This will be my greatest gift to our nation. The significance of Kashmir’s secular art will be emphasised by its display on the walls of the building that houses India’s ultimate legislative assembly. Then, one can only hope that this creative form will be institutionalised by the decision-makers”. 

In 2021, One of Maqbool Jan’s notable creations includes an ancient map of Srinagar city on cloth, crafted using the papier-mâché technique and water. “It took me two years to draw the ancient map of Srinagar city on a 5 x 7 ft. The map of Srinagar is my humble attempt at highlighting the breathtaking landscape that houses Shikara boats, the finest Mughal architecture, picturesque Chinar trees, handicrafts soaked in century-old cultures and, of course, the pristine Dal Lake,” Maqbool Jan, the artist behind the viral map doing the rounds on social media, tells The Better India. This remarkable piece of art not only showcases his technical prowess but also underscores his dedication to reviving and preserving the traditional art form. Maqbool is renowned for his inventive designs, always modifying the patterns and colour schemes used to preserve the art. He has begun painting murals on doors, utensils, traditional Kashmiri Khatamband ceilings, and walls.

Maqbool claims that one of the causes of “the poisoning of the craft” is exporting. “They pay nearly peanuts to the individuals who manufacture the papier-mache products, but they purchase them at a low price in Kashmir and sell them throughout Europe. “If an exporter makes a profit of 100 rupees (£1), he should at least give the craftsman 30% of that profit and keep the other 70% for himself. However, they only give the craftsperson 1% of their earnings, which forces them to market and sell their goods on their own and reduces their level of commitment to their craft.

Maqbool Jan’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the legacy of Kashmiri papier-mache alive. His journey is a source of inspiration for artists and enthusiasts alike, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional crafts in the face of modern challenges. For his invaluable contribution, he has earned a State, four National Awards 2003, 2005, 2006, & 2007 and International Awards over the years, including the renowned UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts in 2007-2008. His commitment to the papier-mache craft reflects his deep connection to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, despite the challenges faced by the declining craft due to the insurgency movement in the early 90s.

Know more at: http://papiermache-kashmir.com/