While visiting vibrant enchanting India, I was awed by the diverse array of beautiful handicrafts from all over the country. Too much for the senses to take it all in, artistic work that has been taught and passed on from generation to generation for hundreds, in some cases, thousands of years. There is something truly wonderful about the timeless, gentle rhythm of families supporting themselves with these incredible artistic handcrafts. The patience and dreams and tears and loves and difficulties and every age old quality and emotion common to mankind are woven into the very fiber of these beautiful handmade things.
As someone who has always been fascinated with textiles, weaving and needlework, it didn’t take long to fall in love with the wonderfully soft pure pashminas (extra fine cashmere) and wool shawls and stoles made in the remote region of Kashmir in northern India, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Jadem bir is a collaboration with a Kashmiri family to raise awareness of this beautiful craft and the hidden gem of a place they are made. In spite of a tumultuous history and ongoing political unrest, this traditional work continues. From our super soft, lightweight printed or woven wool stoles, to our exquisitely soft, loose weave, pure pashminas that are a little piece of heaven on your neck (my personal favorite), and then to the tightly woven tafta pashminas that last for hundreds of years, we are delighted to offer these beautiful pieces and hope you enjoy them for many years to come. The hand embroidered work by Kashmiri artisans, and even the machine embroidered ones add the final touch that make these pieces truly remarkable. A gem in your wardrobe to add an elegant touch to any outfit and bring a twinkle to your eye.
Please note that we accept special orders and are happy to work with you choosing colors, embroidery and weave. Time for production depends on how detailed the work is.
–Rachel Lincoln Libby
