How to Create Papier Mâché?

June 09, 2015

Papier Mâché is a delicate decorative art which is resistant to water as well as being so light made from waste papers.This art flourished in Kashmir in the 17th Century.

But it was Syed Ali Hamadani (lived in 13th century), a Persian famous Sūfī who brought almost 80 artisans from Persia including, painters, silversmiths, carpenters, carpet makers with him to teach and employ the Kashmiris who were then so poor.

Iranians might have learned the art from French or Italians though.Because this art has been existed in Italy in 13th century but French are the ones who invented the Papier Mâché boxes and later on they became the potential Papier Mâché buyers from Kashmir .

I could see loads of Persian designs from floral to birds on the Papier Mâché pieces and I became so excited to see that as an Iranian girl!

Apparently later on, this art got highly favored by Mughal Emperors and you can see their influence on the design of the handicrafts as well.

The craftsmen soak waste paper in water for several days until it disintegrates. The excess water is drained and the soaked waste paper are mixed to form a pulp. They put this mixture in a mold and leave it to dry for two to three more days. Then the shape is cut away from the mold in two halves and then glued again.The surface is coated with the layer of glue ,rubbed smooth with a stone and pasted with layers of tissue paper.A base color is painted on,and a design is added afterwards.The object is then sandpapered and is finally painted with several coats of lacquer.

As an Iranian girl it was interesting for me when they called the process of creating Papier Mâché with Farsi names like "Sakhtsazi" (making the object) and"Naqashi" (painting the surface)!