The word paper Machie is actually derived from the french word "papier Mach" meaning chewed paper.To make papier machie first paper is soaked in water till it disintegrates.It is then pounded mixed with an adhesive solution,shaped over different moulds and allowed to dry and set before being painted and varnished.Paper that has been pounded to pulp has the smoothest finish in the final product.When the pounding has not been so through the finish is less smooth.

At first glance all papier machie objects look roughly the same and the price differntial seems almost unreasonable.However besides at least three different grades of papier machie,Some is actually Cardboard or wood.The idea however is not to hoodwink the unwary,but to promote a cheaper product for someone who wants the look of the papier machie.The designs painted on objects of papier machie are brightly coloured.The vary in artistry and choice of colours,and it is not difficult to tell a medicore piece from an excellent one.Gold is used on most objects either as the only colour or as a highlight for certian motifs.Varnish,which is applied to the finished product,imparts a high gloss and smoothness which increases with every coat.

Papier mache is a delicate decorative art which shows the artistic zeal of a craftsman.
This unique craft involves the use of paper pulp for creating beautiful artifacts painted by expert craftsmen in lifelike images of Kingfishers,
maple leaves and other motifs.

The ingenious papier mache artisans of Kashmir transform a variety of utility articles into rare art pieces. The creation of a papier-mache object can be divided into two distinct categories, the sakhtsazi (making the object) and the naqashi (painting the surface). The colours for painting designs on the surface are obtained by grinding and soaking various vegetable mineral dyes in pigment or stone form. The final product is a beautiful art work that cannot be called a creation of one artist. It travels many pairs of talented hands before reaching a table or a mantel.

Papier Mache, today, has become highly stylized and appealing by using real gold and silver paint and by adding intricate decorations. The designs and decorations of the Kashmiri Papier Mache, usually in the form of flowers and birds, have a strong Persian flavor. Among other rich designs are 'Arabesque', done in gold against a brown or red ground to show sprays of rose blossoms in fine lines and 'Yarkand', an elaborate design built up in spirals with gold rosettes radiating from various centers and white flowers laid over gold scroll work. Some items like bowls and vases are lined with brass, while on special orders boxes and other items are ornamented with gold and silver leaves and depict beautiful landscapes and objects like a house boat, that form an inseparable part of Kashmiri lifestyle.

The paper Mache objects produced vary from Christmas ornaments to coasters and include boxes of every imaginable size and shape. These objects are not only beautifully decorated, but are surprisingly light and strong. Their coating of lacquer protects them from water and gives them extra durability.