Inducing new life into centuries old craftof copper smithing

A stone’s throw away from the historic Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar, rests a small shop of copperware of artisan Mohammad Aslam Bhat. It is a pandora box of different artefacts of copper.
Named Vanposh, the shop has a unique collection of copper items like a spinning wheel (yender in local parlance), beautifully handcrafted clocks, table lamps and other creative items made of copper.
Bhat keeps on experimenting with the age-old craft that he has learnt from his ancestors particularly his grandfather who was himself a master craftsman of his time. His recent innovation in the form of copper jewellery items including pendants, ear-rings and hair accessories is worth buying.
Bhat’s innovative knack does not confine him to the tradition of copperware utensils only but he is inducing new life into the centuries old craft by introducing new design inspired from daily life.
From chinar leaf to shikara to the designs usually seen inPapier-mâchéCraft, the collection includes the jewellery with almost eight designs with intricate Kashmiri architectural elements like panjrakari and khatamband motifs carved on them.
He believes that a craftsman is just like an artist who keeps on thinking deeply and has an open eye on the changes in motifs, designs and artefacts.
The experiment of carving the jewellery out of copper started with an ear-ring. Currently, he is working on making a ring and a bangle.
While talking about the process of making jewellery, he said, “Making small product is very challenging as it involves use of small tools to carve the designs on very small shapes.”
To get the jewellery to the marketplace, he has received huge support from the local designers. “With their help, I am able to get a good clientele. Not only locals, the jewellery has been much liked by the people outside Kashmir as well,” he added.
Bhat’s copperware collection comprises table lamps, light shades and other items. He said the things not only serve the decorative purpose but have perfect usage in daily routine.
“The clocks, flower shaped candle holders and whatever you find in this place are usable in everyday life,” he added.
One of the copper cube shaped light shades bears the khatamband and a window having panjrakari designs replicated on copper giving a feeling of a shrine.
Another one in the making is the replica of the minaret of Shah-e-Hamdan which is completely handmade. He said that the challenge is to gather each part minutely to bind them to ultimately get a final shape. The designs carved over are intricately done while taking inspiration from the sozni embroidery done on the shawls which has expanded his range of customers coming to his shop.
“People want to keep up with the evolving trends. This supports my idea and I start researching and refining my skills,” he said.
While being in touch with a number of reputed institutions that are associated with Craft like National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Craft Development Institute (CDI), he was exposed to a number of technicalities which helped him in enhancing his skills further and expanding the market for his products.
“When I used to work with the designers from CDI, we created a product and changed the shape of it. They called it a curved vase. I learnt that the product has to be named and it should define the product.”
Having done exhibitions across India, he has worked with the reputed designers including Jogi Panghaal, Mann Singh and a number of local designers as well.
Each copper artefact that he has made is hand-crafted. Getting inspired by one of the master craftsmen of the bygone years, Bashir Ahmad Moharkan, he said, “Moharkan used to work for some hours and rest. An artisan has to think about designs, has to keep the mind fresh so taking a break from your work is important in getting your mind refreshed with new ideas.”
While taking us through the conventional copperware, he introduced a number of changes in Samovar as well and is also making the traditional kitchen copperware.
Giving a glimpse of his masterpiece he said that he is thinking of making a replica of historic Jamia Masjid because of its architectural detailing. “I like its architectural elements. It has been made in walnut and papier-mâché but not in copper. It is my dream project.”
Recalling the old memories of his childhood, he recollects how his grandfather would often find him fiddling with the tools. “My grandfather was one of the master craftsmen and he would tell me to keep fiddling with the tools and never leave it. I believe that I am still fiddling which inspires me to do better every time,” he said.
Looking back at the craft history in Kashmir he views how this place got exposed to various crafts since sufi saint Shah-e-Hamadan came here 600 years ago and propagated the teaching among the people of Kashmir.
“The artisans had neither qualifications or resources but had immense talent who learnt the craft passionately and thus we were able to create the most beautifully and finest works in the copper metal. The craft has reached us and we have to carry it forward,” he said.
He is often consulted by NIFT and CDI to mentor students in learning the craft. “Students not only get fascinated but want to learn this craft. We spent a good time together exchanging ideas and learning from each other. Students and researchers are interested in learning about traditional things. I have few who often visit my workshop,” he said, adding many people are getting in touch with him to get their children exposed to the craft.
One of his future creative projects is “Hand of Fatima” conceived by Rizvi Iliyas, acraft researcher based in Kashmir who is working on creative interventions and innovations in Kashmir Crafts. He said that together this winter they are going to experience the Hand of Fatima in copper in Kashmir.
As one of the symbols of Islamic arts in the middle east and north African, Hand of Fatima is also Popular in Turkey as an element in jewellery.