About Us

About Kashmir Imports
image of Kashmir, India

Kashmir Imports began in 1991 as a small, family business based in Baltimore, Maryland. With one of the owners being Kashmiri and making regular visits to Kashmir, the idea to celebrate the arts of the region turned a dream into reality and the unique business we have today. Our selection of only the finest embroidery and hand-painted lacquerware has allowed us to showcase the individual masterpieces that are still produced by hand in the homes of the Kashmiri people.

The artists are paid a fair wage which they determine and which affords them a second income in addition to their farming. Most of the embroidery work takes place in the winter months, when the mountains are snow-covered and farming is minimal. This second income makes an enormous difference in the quality of life for these families.

Each family has its own specialty --- weaving the fabric, creating the designs and reproducing them onto the fabric, embroidering the actual designs, the tailor who determines the cut and assembles the jackets and coats, and the owner’s family members in Srinagar who work with and coordinate these various communities.

image of Kashmir, India

The process is the same for the lacquerware. Designs for the papier mache and wood-carved lacquerware are drawn from the natural beauty of this Himalayan region. The fabrication process works in the same way as the textiles, with individual families having their own unique part of the process and specialty.

These traditions date back more than 500 years. Talented artisans in the Kashmir Valley have drawn inspiration for their rich embroidery and weaving from the palette and flora of the Himalayan foothills. Using the traditional ari double-chain stitch (much like crochet), they work complex designs onto 100% merino wool to create vibrant patterns or blend deeply-hued and exuberant yarns for shawls, jackets, coats, capes and more.

Our passion for preserving these arts and presenting them to the public at affordable rates has allowed us to increase our line as well as present new designs. At the same time, these artists benefit from this second income, work together as a family or community, and are given the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary talent and express their creativity.

Please be sure to see our photo gallery to truly appreciate the amazing work of these talented individuals, with whom we are so honored to work.

And please visit our store in Baltimore or Washington if you find yourself in the neighborhood! Click here for more information.

In The Press

Kashmir Imports in Moon Baltimore PDF
National Geographic - May/June 2009 PDF
Southern Living Magazine: Ode to Union Station