Ghulam Rasool Sofi, aged 65,is probably one of the last few Kashmir’s staple artisans. Born into a lineage of artisans, he has dedicated his life to this handiwork. His craft has reached as far as Spain and America. However, he now feels that the onslaught of mechanised mass- produced goods has eroded the demand for handmade artifacts, though these can never be replaced or replicated by machines.

‘Aari’ staple or hook-work is a common form of embroidery in Kashmir.  In Kashmir it is done on Pashmina or wool, with either single ply or double ply wool yarns.