Riyas

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Riyas

(21)

"Those days were so much fun! On one side my father would be creating his magic on shawls, while us brothers would show our creativity through paper mache."

I was born and brought up in Kashmir. As you know, Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and traditional crafts, so it was indeed fun growing up there. My father was a traditional weaver and I remember he would make exquisite embroidered compositions on shawls.

My older brother Iqbal was taught papier mache techniques by a highly skilled craftsman by the name of Gulam and, as I watched him learn, I became interested too. Then I began to learn and, soon after, my younger siblings followed suit. Those days were so much fun! On one side, my father would be creating his magic on shawls, while we brothers would show our creativity through papier mache. My uncle Niyaz is also a featured artist specializing in paper mache.

It is unfortunate that none of us inherited our dad's passion for weaving. My father is old now and he doesn't work anymore, but he is happy that we are enjoying our work. He always says, 'No matter what craft you chose, you should be happy doing it.'

When I finished my 12th standard, I joined my brother in his work. After making the boxes we would sell them to tourists. Back then, Kashmir used to be flooded with tourists but these days, the situation doesnt allow too many visitors.

We also started teaching young boys the art of papier mache. Between 1993 and 1994, we moved to Delhi to explore more opportunities. We started by participating in several government-sponsored exhibitions. People loved our work.

We're always trying to bring something new to our art. Earlier, papier mache was mostly about scenic and animal themes. However, as per shoppers' demands, we are always doing something new. The Mughal-themed boxes that we create have been widely appreciated. They are our specialty.

Iqbal was conferred the National Award in 2004, and I was also honored with two State Awards in 2004 and 2006. It's such a great feeling to be appreciated for your hard work. We were also chosen by the Craft Council of India to participate in an exhibition in Cuba. It was a wonderful experience!

Being associated with you is a great experience. My craft will be exhibited for the world to see and appreciate!

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Job Creator

Caring for Children

18 items by Riyas

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

Diane

Verified Reviewer

12/29/2020

"beautiful"

These are beautiful heart ornaments. Were given as gifts

Purchased Item:

Bouquet of Hearts, 4 Artisan Crafted Papier Mache Ornaments Flower Hearts Set

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Doris

Verified Reviewer

12/04/2020

"Hand painted"

Thought this would be a cute little box for the “box collector “ in our family. It is well made and the hand painted flower decor is very pretty. I was just surprised at how small the box really is. I should have looked more carefully at the dimensions that were provided.

Purchased Item:

Indian Wildflower, Papier Mache Box

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Doris

Verified Reviewer

12/04/2020

"Beautiful"

This is my second purchase of hearts by this talented artist. Love these heart ornaments! The design, detail, and vivid colors are outstanding. They are beautiful. and I applaud the artist for the skill and time it took to create them.

Purchased Item:

Bouquet of Hearts, 4 Artisan Crafted Papier Mache Ornaments Flower Hearts Set

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Doris

Verified Reviewer

12/04/2020

"Truly a work of art"

Purchased these as gifts, but kept some, because they are so lovely. Each one has a beautiful design. A really keepsake.

Purchased Item:

Season of Love, 4 Floral Hearts Artisan Crafted Papier Mache Ornaments Set

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Sureta

Verified Reviewer

11/14/2020

"JUST LOVE THESE."

These are so incredibly beautiful. So much prettier than pictured

Purchased Item:

Bouquet of Hearts, 4 Artisan Crafted Papier Mache Ornaments Flower Hearts Set

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Julie

Verified Reviewer

05/24/2020

"Incredibly beautiful"

I used these as teacher gifts for Christmas. They re substantial enough that a single ornament is a nice gift (I included a gift card in each box too!). So pretty and unique.

Purchased Item:

Bouquet of Hearts, 4 Artisan Crafted Papier Mache Ornaments Flower Hearts Set

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