Carpet Making

Since carpet weaving originated in Persia and travelled to Kashmir, the designs have a lot of resemblance to Persian themes. The carpets of Kashmir resemble Central Asian styles like bokhara and Turkish makes. Often, a cotton warp is mixed with a woollen weft. Silk carpets are also made. Common motifs include medallions, horse designs, hunting and animal scenes. Floral and plant designs in unusual sizes can also be found. Trellis designs are often combined with plant motifs. Kashmiri carpets are always hand-knotted. The knotting of the carpet is significant as it defines the life of the carpet.

Carpets are also woven in Ladakh and are an integral part of the culture there. The community of Buddhists in Ladakh prepare carpets for personal use. The carpets are used for sitting. sleeping and entertaining guests. Ladakhi carpets are woven by looping knots known as khabdan. The designs woven into the carpets are inspired by motifs drawn from Mahayana Buddhism.