Papier-mâché from Kashmir is a unique craft which uses paper pulp to create fine artefacts. These are richly painted with colourful designs. Artists can create vases, bowls, or cups, boxes, trays, bases of lamps, and many other small collectibles. They paint chinar leaves, water birds, kingfishers and paisley patterns, for dense and intricate creations. This Kashmiri craft has influenced artisans in Bihar, which has its own form of indigenous papier-mâché art depicted in Madhubani style. This hand-crafted style has a folksy value as it interprets life, art and divinity in a rural style.

The Kashmiri papier-mâché technique is an ancient one and reportedly dates back to the late 14th century. It is surrounded by historical anecdotes. According to one local legend, it was first adopted in the valley by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a Sufi mystic, who came to Kashmir with his followers who happened to be craftsmen. Another story however says papier-mâché was introduced by Sultan Zain ul Abidin, who had been imprisoned in Samarkand for many years. Impressed by the Central Asian craft, he brought it back to his home state of Kashmir.

The unique technique was awarded a Geographic Indication tag in 1999.

The creation of papier-mâché artefacts involves two steps. The first, sakhtsazi to make the base with recycled paper that has been soaked and mashed to pulp. Then, naqashi, completing the artwork with painting and ornamentation.

In Bihar, papier-mâché artisans use a pulp derived from recycling wastepaper, fuller’s earth and fenugreek powder. They use an adhesive of water and wheat flour to bind the creations.

Walls and ceilings of the Shah Hamdan mosque of Srinagar are adorned with papier-mâché art. The papier-mâché of Bihar got its due recognition in 2023. An artisan from Bihar, 82-year-old Subhadra Devi received the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards.

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