Wood Work

Folding Walnut Display Rack

Late 19th–early 20th century Origin: Kashmir Material: Walnut wood This finely carved Kashmiri walnut object is a folding display rack, distinguished by its unusual combination of shallow folding shelves and elaborately carved hinged panels. The central section consists of a series of shallow shelves, which fold inward, while the two side panels are also hinged and were originally fitted with additional shelves. The carved surface is animated by an intricate vocabulary of chinar leaves, foliage, and sinuous serpents. Particularly striking is the way in which the serpents appear to emerge from, terminate within, or become visually entwined with chinar leaves. This unusual treatment creates an ambiguity between animal and vegetal forms, allowing the serpent to become part of the rhythm of the foliage rather than appearing as an independent motif. The object demonstrates the versatility of Kashmiri walnut carving beyond conventional cabinets and screens. Its folding construction suggests a piece designed to be opened for display and folded for storage or movement, combining practicality with an exceptionally elaborate ornamental surface. The surviving structure, together with the carefully reconstructed missing parts, allows the original relationship between its functional shelving and sculptural carved panels to be appreciated. The combination of the chinar, the quintessential vegetal emblem of Kashmir, and the serpent, a comparatively less frequently encountered motif in Kashmiri decorative carving, makes this an especially distinctive example of the region's carved-walnut tradition. Private collection: Traam and Beyond

Wooden Clog

(Khrāv) کھراو

20th century CE Origin: Kashmir Material: Carved wood with braided grass straps Known in Kashmiri as Khraaw, these traditional wooden slippers were commonly worn in Kashmir, particularly during wet or snowy conditions. Hand-carved from a single block of wood and fitted with braided fiber straps, the raised form helped protect the wearer’s feet from mud, moisture, and cold ground surfaces. Functional yet distinctive in appearance, Khraaw reflects vernacular woodworking traditions rooted in the environmental conditions of the Himalayan region. Such footwear was historically associated with both everyday rural life and traditional domestic practices in Kashmir.

Kani weaving loom reed

(Kangu) کَنگُو

Late 19th–early 20th century Origin: Kashmir Material: Wood, reed A traditional Kani loom reed, constructed as a long wooden frame enclosing a dense row of extremely fine, closely spaced vertical teeth, forming a comb-like structure through which the warp threads would pass. The reed was used to maintain the spacing of the warp threads and to beat the weft firmly into place during weaving. The object is particularly associated with Kashmir's shawl-weaving tradition, including the weaving of fine pashmina and Kani textiles. The traditional loom itself was generally constructed from wood, with the warp stretched between beams, while a reed formed an essential part of the weaving apparatus. The surviving piece is especially interesting for its entirely hand-made construction. The long wooden casing, closely set teeth and simple fastening system reflect a period when individual components of the loom were made and repaired by specialist craftsmen rather than being standardized industrial parts. Its worn wood and irregularities are therefore evidence of prolonged practical use rather than merely decorative ageing. Photo courtesy: Urvat il Wuska, Kashmir’s Kani Shawl Weavers Feel Left Out in Cold, VillageSquare.in, 1 March 2023. Private collection: Trām and Beyond

Trough

(Tathul) ٹَٹھُل

Late 19th – early 20th century Origin: Kashmir Material: Deodar Wood A large traditional Kashmiri wooden trough, carved from a single substantial piece of Deodar wood. Broad, deep and heavy, its simple form reflects its practical role within the traditional Kashmiri household and food-production environment. The Tathul served several purposes depending on context. Kandurs (traditional Kashmiri bakers) used vessels of this type for kneading and preparing dough, while wazas, the cooks responsible for the elaborate preparation of Kashmiri feasts, used them for washing and separating cooked rice. In domestic kitchens, similar large wooden vessels could also be used for mixing and preparing pickles and other foods. Its construction is particularly characteristic. Rather than being assembled from separate boards, the vessel has been hollowed and shaped from a single block of timber, leaving visible the marks of hand-working and prolonged use. The deep bowl, thick walls and broad rim are designed for vigorous handling of substantial quantities of food. The Tathul represents a less ornamental but equally important aspect of Kashmiri woodcraft. Its association with the kandur, waza and household kitchen places it within the wider network of food preparation and hospitality that has long been central to Kashmiri domestic culture. Acquired through the generosity of Shahran Rashid Private collection: Traam and Beyond

Measuring Cup

(Longun) لونگُن

Late 18th century Origin: Kashmir Material: Deodar Wood A traditional Kashmiri wooden measuring vessel known as a Longun, used principally for measuring rice and other grains before cooking. Rather than ornament, the object derives its character from its direct construction and sculptural simplicity. Carved from a single solid piece of wood, the vessel combines a deep cylindrical bowl with an integral handle. The robust construction reflects its role as an everyday kitchen implement, designed for repeated handling and use. The Longun represents an extinct system of household measurement in Kashmir, when quantities of grain especially rice were measured through familiar, locally standardised vessels rather than modern graduated measures. Private collection: Trām and Beyond

Butter Churner

(dòn-i-tul) دۄنۍ تُل

likely 19th century CE Origin: Kashmir Material: Carved wood with twisted fiber binding Design / Motif: Functional turned-wood form used in traditional butter churning systems Known in Kashmiri as Dòn-i-Tul, this wooden implement formed part of a traditional butter-making apparatus used in rural Kashmiri households. The object likely functioned as the central churning staff used together with a woven willow basket or vessel during the butter extraction process. Its elongated turned shaft and bound upper section reflect vernacular woodworking traditions adapted for everyday domestic labor. Objects such as these demonstrate the close relationship between Kashmiri craft practices, agricultural life, and locally available materials including walnut wood and willow wickerwork. Comparable butter-churning traditions survive across Himalayan regions using wooden plungers and woven containers. Private collection - Trām and Beyond