Going back to the roots of the craft called Khatambanb, the literal meaning of which is Polygons combining together with the help of wooden beadings, it is an art of making ceiling by putting together walnut or deodar wood pieces into geometrical patterns.
The uniqueness of this craft is that when the process of making is complete it acquires a unique and beautiful geometrical pattern and most of the process is done by hand- indeed a painstaking work. About its origin in Kashmir- some say this beautiful art was brought to Kashmir in 1541 by Mirza Hyder Tugluq during Mughal times while some believe that Khatamband was brought by Islamic Mystic and saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) who visited Kashmir in 14th century along with his followers included Khatamband artists from Iran. These artisans passed on this art to locals here.
Hand-made geometrical masterpieces from Deodar and walnut wood are used to decorate the ceilings and walls. Each piece is chiseled and carved intricately with hands in polygon patterns and fixed on the surface without using nails or adhesives.
Ali Muhammad Najar, 70 years old is a famous Khatamband artisan, who still works in his workshop in Downtown’s Safa Kadal area, making wooden polygon patterns on daily basis
