Papier-Maché, also known as Kar-i-Kalamdani or Kar-i-Munakash, is one of the traditional crafts of Kashmir. It was introduced by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. He invited experts from Samarqand to teach this art to the people of Kashmir. The earliest papier-maché products produced in Kashmir were the Kalamdans or pencases from where the craft got the name of Kar-i-Kalamdani. By the Mughal period, various other papier-maché products became famous in the whole empire for their exquisite designs and skills such as book-stands, bed steads, soap boxes, trays, doors, window frames, panels for wall and ceilings etc

The raw materials used for making articles of papier-maché are the coarse native paper, pulped and moulded into different shapes and sizes. Other materials used include cloth, rice straw, and copper sulphate. Two main techniques are involved in the production of the papier-maché works-Sakhtasazi and Naqqashi. The first is the Sakhtasazi or the making of the object. All the raw materials are first grinded into a pulp which is moulded around the clay or metal moulds. The dried pulp is carefully cut from the mould and then a thick white solution is made of gypsum and glue is applied on it. A fine tissue paper is pasted on it and then it is rubbed to get a final smoothened product. The second technique is the Naqqashi or the painting of the surface. All the designs and patterns are painted free hand. The Naqqash paints the design in gold, silver, lacquer and bright colours. The popular motifs used by the Naqqash on the papier-maché products are mostly chinar leaf, lotus, iris, water lily, flying geese, narcissus, field crocus etc. Kashmiri papier-mâché products serve both utilitarian and decorative purposes. While traditional items like bowls and boxes are used for storing jewelry, spices, or other items, decorative pieces such as vases, trays, and wall hangings are cherished for their aesthetic appeal.

Papier-mâché holds significant cultural importance in Kashmir, representing the region's artistic heritage and craftsmanship. It is often used to adorn homes, mosques, and shrines during festivals and special occasions, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Kashmir.