Jamawar Shawls

Jamawar shawls are an ancient form of shawl pattern, that dates back to the 18th & 19th century. Jamawar shawls use the kani technique of weaving, and are laden with beautiful handiworks by skilled craftsmen. The decorative works contain comprehensive and intricate patterns, influenced majorly by the Asian countries, especially India & Pakistan.

History Of Jamawars

Jamawar shawls date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Though this weaving technique seems to be popular as being native to Kashmir, but it actually belongs to Persia. The art was brought to Kashmir from Persia and it flourished in the Mughal era. Jamawar shawls were often worn by the kings and other important members of the empire. Due to the Mughal influence the jamawar shawls often have patterns and prints that have hues of Mughal arts.

Jamawar Fabric

Jamawar shawls use the jamawar fabric which is made using the fleece of the Capra Hircus goat, popularly known as 'Cashmere.' Also known as jamawar silk, the jamawar fabric is warm and soft to touch, and is therefore a very popular fabric for manufacturing shawls. Jamawar is an adulterated for of pashmina silk as usually a little wool and cotton is mixed with the jamawar fabric. Brocaded patches of the shawls are woven in pashmina or silk. Woven using the kani technique of weaving jamawar shawls are then decorated with elaborate design consisting of paisley motifs. But the softness of the jamawar silk makes it a highly demanded fabric all across the world for manufacturing a variety of clothing apart from shawls. Jamawar scarves and stoles are also as popular as jamawar shawls. The wide popularity of jamawar shawls and other silk shawls has been instrumental in boosting and encouraging the skilled and talented Indian craftsmen.

Jamawar Shawl Designs

The kani technique of weaving jamawar shawls is an intricate technique. Kani is basically like a wooden shuttle, which is used in the technique. Multiple shuttles are used for making shawls with multiple colors. Usually more than one colors are used for weaving a single line of fabric. The popular colors used for making the jamawar shawls are yellow, green, crimson, purple, black and blue. It is due to the beautiful and flawless blend of these colors in the design and the fabric.

The embroidery design is a comprehensive handiworks of skilled craftsmen. Large Asian motifs and oriental designs are prominent in the jamawar shawls. Beautiful designs and patterns are embroidered on the jamawar shawls as well as the jamawar sarees making them hugely popular among the gamut of silk shawls. However, embroidery is not the only decorative work done on the jamawar shawls. These embroidery patterns are accentuated with other decorative art forms like bead work, sequining, mirror work, etc. All these decorative techniques go into the making of jamawar shawls that are classic reflections of rich heritage and cultural history.

Antique Jamawar Shawls

Antique jamawar shawls are very popular with those who love the traditional styles. Antique jamawar shawls are have heavy embroidery work with a raw finish to the overall product. They look very ethnic and ornate and make perfect wears as wedding shawls and party shawls.

Designer Jamawar Shawls

Along with time the tastes and trends have also undergone a change and jamawar shawl designs have adapted these changes in their designs. Even with a few contemporary and modern features added to the shawls, the traditional aspect is still maintained. Designer jamawar shawls are made by keeping in mind the new trends and fashion styles in vogue.

Jamawar Shawls - Manufacturing Regions

Jamawar shawl manufacturers, wholesale suppliers and exporters are dealing in a lot of different styles and varieties in jamawar shawls. They are manufacturing exquisite pieces and making them available worldwide. Though jamawar shawls made in Kashmir are immensly popular for their elegant and ethnic designs, they are also produced in Assam, Gujarat and Rajasthan.