Srinagar artisan reinvents Kashmir’s copper craft

By Ada Bhat
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05 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 04: In the narrow lanes of Srinagar’s Old City, where tradition still breathes through workshops and bazaars, Mohammad Aslam Bhat is quietly reshaping the future of Kashmir’s copperware craft.

What began as a childhood curiosity has grown into a lifelong vocation—one that he now regards not only as a means of livelihood, but as a duty to preserve a centuries-old heritage.

Bhat recalls experimenting with small creations as a young boy, uncertain of where his interest might lead. It was his grandfather who first recognised the spark.

Expecting reprimand, he instead found encouragement. His grandfather nurtured his curiosity, patiently teaching him the delicate art of working with copper and urging him never to abandon the craft. That early mentorship laid the foundation for what would become his life’s work.

Beginning with modest pieces, Bhat gradually honed his skills, quietly cultivating the artist within. Today, his creations extend far beyond traditional utensils, reflecting a thoughtful fusion of heritage and innovation.

From copper chandeliers and table lamps to intricately designed decorative pieces, his work challenges conventional notions of Kashmiri copperware. Among his accomplishments is a finely detailed model he describes as the fulfilment of a long-held dream—one he once believed was beyond reach.

Kashmir’s copperware, once an essential feature of every household, now faces an uncertain future amid the rise of mass-produced, machine-made alternatives.

Yet artisans like him continue to uphold the craft. For him, innovation is not a departure from tradition but a means of sustaining it. His efforts have earned recognition from the government for both his distinctive designs and his contribution to preserving the craft.

He believes the future lies with the younger generation. Educated youth, he says, have the potential to take traditional skills to new heights—blending them with modern ideas, technologies, and global exposure to create something entirely original.

Each morning, Aslam opens his shop in downtown Srinagar, where his work attracts both locals and tourists alike. His expanding collection now includes decorative items, vases, lampshades, jewellery, and even miniature models of Kashmiri landmarks—pieces that are steadily finding their place in contemporary homes.

“I introduced ideas that machines cannot replicate,” Aslam says, underscoring the irreplaceable human touch in each creation. He believes that meaningful engagement with craft not only ensures economic stability but also provides a deeper sense of purpose. “This art should never die,” he adds, urging younger generations to embrace and innovate within traditional practices.

For Bhat, remaining true to the artist he once envisioned himself to be has been central to his journey. He has never allowed that vision to fade, choosing instead to sustain it through his work—work that continues to draw admiration from those who value craftsmanship.

Reflecting on his journey, he says that once he began embracing innovation, he realised that possibilities are limitless. Nothing, he believes, is impossible for those who remain committed to creating with purpose.