This is a type of inlay technique of compacting semi precious turquoise stone chips into a prepared lac
base as surface decoration on a brass or metal base. The inlayed layer is subsequently polished to an
even surface. It used to be traditionally done with real turquoise but later it was imitated with dyed stone
chips though the original name was retained. While there are examples of very elaborate stone inlay work using different coloured stones to create
preconceived patterns, the objects in the SPS museum are more utility metal ware with bands of artificial
chipped turquoise ornamentation.
Pashm, a kind of white stone made absorbent by baking, is the substitute for turquoise now,’ writes D N
Saraf, in his book ‘Arts and Crafts of Jammu and Kashmir’ who was also one of the initiators of the school
of Designs, Srinagar. Still it is unique because this craft said to have been introduced in the 19th century
to Kashmir, was a flourishing practice in Srinagar till the 1970’s. The only surviving craftsman is an
employee at the school of designs, who claims that no one wants to learn this craft anymore as there is no market for it.
