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Making Of Sozni
Made In Paradise
It was the Persian poet Amir Khusru who referred to Kashmir as a paradise on earth. "Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hami ast”, meaning "If there is a paradise upon earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". It is in this paradise this art of Sozni is practiced since 14th Century.
Providing Livelihood Since 14th Century
Introduced to the people of Kashmir by 14th Century Islamic Saint, Shah Hamdan (RA), this art still provides livelihood to millions of Kashmiris.
Farmer Craftsmen
Sozni Craftsmen are men and women from Kashmir’s villages who mostly are farmers. Kashmir is an agriculturally rich place and most of the people in the villages are involved in fruit, cereal and animal farming. Since farming here is not a full time effort, these farmers turn into artists when they are not busy with farming.
What is Sozni ?
SOZNI is one of the most sophisticated forms of Needle Embroidery in the world. This extremely fine, delicate and artistic needle work is only practiced in Kashmir and has no parallels anywhere else. Following are the processes involved:
Preparation of Design
The Naqash or designer carefully draws the design to be embroidered on a graph paper using geometrical and mathematical techniques.
Carving of Wooden Block for Stamping
Based on the design prepared by the Naqash a wooden blocked is carved by a wood carver specializing in shawl designs. He engraves the designs on a wooden block.
Sampling of Colors
The stamped shawl is passed on to a master artisan called tarah-guru who will do sample embroidery and determine what color are used in the embroidery.
Approving of Design
Another master craftsman called Voste approves or asks for the changes in the design. Once approved the shawl is passed on to the artisan for embroidery who completes the embroidery based on the approved colors.
Washing in Spring Water
The final washing is of the shawl is done in spring water with mild detergents and striking the fabric repeatedly against a smooth stone by a specialist washer.
Making of Fringes
Another master craftsman called Voste approves or asks for the changes in the design. Once approved the shawl is passed on to the artisan for embroidery who completes the embroidery based on the approved colors.
