The Splendor of Kashmir by Mrs. Varuna Anand
Promoting and endorsing “The Art of Shawl making from Kashmir.”
The Splendor of Kashmir is a humble endeavor envisaged by Mr. Parveen Anand, keeping in mind his love for Kashmir, a place where he was born and where his family goes back many a generations. An endevour he started in 2011 with his wife Mrs.Varuna Anand.
Belonging to a distinguished business family of J&K namely the Bir Sein Anand family. The aspirations to serve the people of the state stemmed from his early childhood, turning into an integral objective of his life as he grew up.
Inspired from the beautiful environs of Kashmir, the fine art of embroidery from Kashmir on the rich Pashmina shawls needs no introduction, as the shawl making industry is one of the most integral cottage industries of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Hand woven and hand embroidered shawls from Kashmir have always been one of the most desired and luxurious textile from time immemorial, valued around the globe, by all those with a panache for luxury and elegance.
These shawls made in Kashmir occupy a pre-eminent place among textile products, and have evolved from age old expertise and have greater fame and magnificence than any other Indian textile.
Always a luxury commodity, it reflects the rich heritage and culture of the region,primarily an essential part of the wardrobes of the rich and famous all over the world.
The Kashmir shawl is characterized by the elaboration of its design, intricately woven or embroidered. These designs are stylized imitations of Nature, and the glowing brilliance, depth, and enduring qualities of its colors continues to mesmerize many lovers of these famed textiles, the world over.
Mrs. Varuna Anand a Textile Designer by profession, is carrying forward this endeavor initiated by her husband to promote this age old Art of Shawl making from Kashmir, and bridging the gap between the genuine upmarket customer/ collector and the sincere weaver from the valley.
The Art of Shawl making is a unique art gifted to these talented craftsmen of Kashmir of turning these fragile textiles into pieces of Art with their handiwork and utmost dedication.
Over the years the markets are getting flooded with cheap imitations of this Art along with sub standard products of poor quality Pashmina and unfinished craftsmanship.
This has steadily increased the gap between the genuine admirer’s of this Art and the sincere craftsmen from the valley who toil day in and day out to keep this Art alive even today.
The Splendor of Kashmir by Varuna Anand is a small initiative of preserving the heritage of this age old Art of Shawl making by these master craftsmen of the state and giving back their due, which they so rightfully deserve.