Copper vessels have been used traditionally in Kashmiri households for cooking and serving meals. Copperware known as Traam has been an indispensable commodity in Kashmir since ages. The household utensils include lota (pot), Tream (plate), naer (water jug), tash- naer (for washing hands), samovar for preparing tea, dishes, bowls,trays ,vessels, Lamp Shades and many more.

The crafting of coppeware involves various skills at different stages, such as those of:  khar (smith), naqash (engraver), zarcod (gilder), roshangar (polisher), and charakgar (cleaner or finisher). In past there were special localities or Mohallas like Roshangar-Mohalla were named after these professions,(however now the tale is totally different) , where these artisans were carrying out their craft practice.

Some of the tools used in the process of making a copperware are , draz (hammer), mekh (stakes), yandrewah (anvil), chisels, files etc.

Kandkari is the art of engraving designs on copperware and dates back to over 700 years ago. Coppersmiths are now making new designs while continuing with the traditional ones as well.

The old markets of Shehar-e-Khaas, that is, Ziana Kadal in Maharaj Gunj area has been the hub of copperware. Located close to Aali Kadal, a cobweb of lanes and by-lanes forms this oldest market, also known as Shri Ranbir Gunj, as it was established in the mid-19th century by Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Pre-1947, Maharaj Gunj attracted traders from  cities such as Amritsar, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and even parts of Central Asia. The market once housed Khatri businesspeople, primarily from Hoshiarpur and Gujranwala. In 1865 Maharaj Gunj Beopar Mandal was formed to augment its trade and strengthen ties to outside parts.