The timeless art of Filigree (Turkwaaz) in Kashmir is on the brink of extinction, with most skilled artisans opting for other livelihoods due to its dwindling demand. Only a handful of dedicated artisans continue to practice this intricate handmade craft. The availability of machine-made filigree from Odisha has made it difficult for the handmade products which are more expensive.
Filigree is a complex handcrafted jewelry art, and dates back to the 6th century BC, with origins in Greece and subsequently spreading to Italy, Egypt, Armenia, and India. Filigree is the art of making ornamental items with thin wires of copper or silver to craft intricate designs. The art becomes exhausting for the craftspersons as it entails coiling, intertwining, lacing, twisting and much more in order to produce the exquisite objects. The Kashmiri craftsmen who are making their ends meet from the filigree art have been pinning their hopes on the government for intervention and support to the art so that more youth could be involved in it.
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