Badamwari Carpet
Badamwari carpet is a fine peace of art which is a part of famous Kashmiri Carpets. It is designed and developed in Badamwari region of Srinagar district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Carpet making cluster of Badamwari region practices carpet designs inspired by the Iranian carpet designs. Infact the carpet designs are named after some of the Iranian cities like Kashan, Isfahan, Ardabil, Tabriz and Mashaad. Badamwari carpet designs are said to be the fusion of Iranian and Indian art.
It is believed that, during 16th century, Badamwari region used to be the halting point for Persian traders. They used to trade carpets and rugs. They had knowledge of Carpet making also. And this knowledge of Carpet making had been transferred to the local people of Badamwari. Since then carpet artisans of Badamwari have been practicing the design styles mostly inspired from the Iranian carpet designs.
There are mainly two styles of carpet making :-
1. Hand-Knotted Style
We can see the image where women knotting threads on a loom to prepare the carpets. It is a time consuming task but outcome is nothing short of a beautiful and long lasting carpet.
2. Felted Style
Traditionally, felted style of carpet is also known as Namda rug. Felting means fusion. Two layers of fibre fuse together using needles. Some time glue is also used to fuse the two layers of the carpet. Layers may be decreased or increased depending on the intricacy of the design. Badamwari felted carpets come with Aari embroidery on top, which enhances its overall look and feel. Aari is nothing but a specialized hooked needle used to prepare the design.
Difference between the two styles :-
| Badamwari Carpets | Hand-Knotted Style | Felted (Namda) style |
|---|---|---|
| Way of making | Tied knot by knot on a loom | Fibre to fibre fusion (felting) |
| Back | Mirror image of front. Knots are visible | Solid, felted wool surface. No visible knots |
| Thickness | Generally thinner and more flexible | Thicker, plush, mattress like. |
| Durability | Last for Generations | More prone to shedding |
| Primary Use | Luxury Decor | Floor insulation, mattress |
| Embroidery | Design is inbuilt | Aari embroidery is added on top |
| Price | It is expensive | Comparatively cheaper |