PRESS
For all enquiries
press@silviafurmanovich.com
During a visit to Kashmir, Silvia Furmanovich was introduced to the refined craftsmanship of papier mâché —an intricate technique deeply rooted in the region’s artistic heritage.
The centuries-old technique combines layers of paper and natural adhesives to create richly textured surfaces, later hand-painted with intricate motifs. Silvia Furmanovich was drawn to the beauty of this process, where simple materials are transformed into highly detailed decorative works.
Threatened by mass-produced factory goods, the original papier mâché craft of Kashmir is still perseved thanks to the dedication of local artisans who have passed the technique for generations. Its signature pieces stand as a testament which showcase precision, patience, and a deep understanding of form and color.
Silvia Furmanovich’s Scrapbook
In the 13th century, the Indo-Persian poet and scholar Amir Khusrau accurately described Kashmir as “heaven on Earth,” largely referring to its natural beauty. It was also around this time that the first Persian craftsmen settled in this verdant valley, further beautifying it with their unique arts and crafts. In 1840, an enterprising descendant of these early settlers established a shop offering the finest papier mâché furniture, jewelry, and bric-a-brac—thus beginning a tradition that would be passed down through generations.
Silvia Furmanovich’s Scrapbook
Working closely with Kashmir’s most esteemed papier-mâché artisans, Furmanovich developed a process to adapt this heritage craft to the demands of fine jewelry, preserving its intricate beauty while elevating it with precious settings and materials.
