Almond Floral Design Medium Circular Crewel Kashmiri Namda

This distinctive medium spherical Kashmiri Namda exemplifies the rich artistic heritage of Kashmir's traditional textile craftsmanship, presenting a unique circular interpretation of the classic felted wool namda. Hand-felted from pure local sheep's wool into a pristine white base, this piece demonstrates the versatility of Kashmir's age-old namda-making tradition, which typically produces rectangular floor coverings but here takes on an elegant spherical form.

The namda is adorned with exquisite crewel embroidery executed through the traditional Aari hand-stitching technique, where master artisans employ hooked needles to create intricate, flowing designs. The embroidery showcases a sophisticated palette of woollen yarns in multiple shades of blue, green, brown, red, and orange, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects the diverse colours found in Kashmir's natural landscape—from the azure waters of Dal Lake to the autumn hues of chinar groves.

At the heart of this circular masterpiece lies a beautifully embroidered central flower rendered in harmonious shades of red and blue, serving as the focal point from which the entire design radiates. Surrounding this central motif are four meticulously crafted almond-shaped outlines, each containing a single embroidered flower also worked in complementary red and blue tones. These almond motifs, known as "badam" in local parlance, are deeply symbolic in Kashmiri design vocabulary, representing prosperity and the region's famous almond orchards.

The spaces between these almond outlines are artfully filled with delicate embroidered branches that feature floral buds and the iconic chinar leaves—Kashmir's beloved symbol. These interconnecting botanical elements create a seamless flow throughout the design, with the chinar leaves particularly significant as they represent the changing seasons and enduring beauty of the Kashmir valley.

This spherical namda represents a remarkable fusion of traditional Kashmiri felt-making with the refined art of Aari crewel embroidery, creating a piece that serves both as functional textile art and a celebration of Kashmir's natural bounty. The circular format and intricate handwork make this namda a distinctive addition to any space, carrying within its fibres the centuries-old traditions and artistic sensibilities of Kashmiri master craftspeople.