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Craftsmen all over the world use 'papier-mache' made from paper pulp to make different kinds of articles. But the objects that are made from 'papier-mache' are diverse, reflecting the regional heritage, culture and style. Papier mache is mostly made by mixing waste paper with fibrous or grainy substances, Fuller's earth or sawdust. It is then moulded by hands or poured on wooden mould to create the required shape. The surface is painted to give the desired colors and patterns. 
The most popular among the Indian Papier Mache items are those made in Kashmir. These are unique in their
style of decoration done on the utilitarian objects. Intricate drawings of animals, birds
and geometric designs are done in an ornate style with bright colors, gold leaf, bronze and gold poster paints.
Thanjavur, in Tamil Nadu has its own style of papier-mache toys, icons of gods and goddesses and other objects. Here, the waste paper pulp is hand beaten into a soft substance, mixed with local clay and then rolled out into thin malleable sheets. After shaping the object, it is dipped into a thin solution of paper pulp and white clay and then painted in oil or water colour. |
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