60-year-old copper naqash, Manzoor Ahmed Naqashgeer of Teingpora Nawakadal in Srinagar, is one of the last remaining masters of Kashmir’s centuries-old copper naqashi tradition. Copper utensils – once an essential part of every Kashmiri household – are renowned for their exquisite hand-carved designs created by skilled naqashis. But today, this heritage craft is under grave threat as cheaper, machine-made products dominate the market and push handmade artisans to the margins.

Manzoor Ahmed has devoted 45 years to perfecting this delicate art, having learned copper carving in his adolescence from his father, Mohammad Subhan Naqashgeer, continuing a family lineage of over 150 years. Over the decades, his craftsmanship earned him widespread recognition, including awards from former J&K Governor N. N. Vohra and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. His finely carved utensils and decorative pieces stand as testimony to the artistic precision and cultural memory embedded in Kashmiri copperware.

Yet, despite his mastery, Manzoor fears for the future of copper naqashi. Rising raw material costs, dwindling demand, and machine-made substitutes have made it increasingly difficult for artisans to sustain their livelihoods. At 60, he remains determined to keep the tradition alive, but he warns that without meaningful support, this historic craft, and the artisans who carry it forward, may soon disappear from Kashmir’s cultural landscape.