India’s Kashmir Loom, in collaboration with Sadu House, opened a unique textile exhibition at Sadu House on Sunday featuring exquisite textiles, heirloom Kani weave and Sozni embroidered pashmina shawls from Kashmir. For the first time in Kuwait, the exhibition showcases Kashmir Loom’s vintage-style coats with hand embroidery and Ikat-dyed pashmina, along with a curated collection of hand-embroidered cushions and home objects in the traditional craft of Papier Mache.
The inaugural event held at Sadu House was attended by resident ambassadors and diplomats in Kuwait, Kuwaiti dignitaries and media representatives. In his opening remarks, Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika commended Kashmir Loom and Sadu House for joining hands to hold the exhibition that introduces the exquisite weaving tradition from Kashmir to the Kuwaiti society. He said Kashmir is a small piece of paradise on earth and is often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Asia’ because of its stunning natural beauty. It is a famous tourist destination both domestically and internationally, he said calling upon the guests present to visit Kashmir.
Founded by Jenny Housego and Asaf Ali, together with his brothers in Srinagar, Kashmir Loom endeavors to sustain and infuse a modern soul into the woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir valley. The exhibition features a collection of contemporary shawls, stoles, and scarves from Kashmir Loom.
Kashmir Loom founder Asaf Ali gave an illustrated talk following the inauguration of the exhibition providing insights into Kashmir and the intricate processes involved in the creation of the age-old art of shawl- making. He took the guests on a virtual tour of Kashmir valley showing the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and serene lakes in addition to the traditional craft of weaving.
"At the exhibition at Al-Sadu House, we are showcasing one of the finest weaving traditions in India both embroidery and contemporary weaving. Here, we are trying to showcase the legacy of our age-old craft. It is part of our effort to revive the traditional craft,” Ali told Kuwait Times.
The exhibition also includes a live demonstration of Kani weaving, a craft unique to the Kashmir valley. During the five-day exhibition, Kashmir Loom will be holding workshops on Sozni embroidery, offering a rare opportunity for participants to witness the meticulous craftsmanship behind the renowned Kashmir shawls.
"The Kashmir Textile Exhibition is showing absolutely the best of Kashmir handloom that has been done for centuries. it is still being done by hand. It is quite incredible and the designs are exquisite. In fact, these are pieces that go for generations and generations,” commented Sheikha Paula Al-Sabah. "I’m quite fortunate to have attended the exhibition. And I encourage everybody to come and see the beautiful works on display,” she said.
"Handicrafts are exceptional and beautiful. We really enjoyed the evening,” commented Virginia Van Hest-Bestaki, College of Arts, Kuwait University, on the sidelines of the exhibition. "Obviously, it takes a lot of time and talent to create these lovely pieces. Today’s exhibition reflects the incredible heritage of India where it merges the tradition with the modern. It reflects the Indian society and India’s emergence as a global economic power,” she added.