Machine-Made Copperware Poses Challenge To Traditional Craftsmen

SRINAGAR: For generations, the artisans of Kashmir have been renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, creating intricate copperware using age-old techniques passed down through centuries.

From delicate tea sets to ornate bowls and vases, each piece is a testament to their mastery of the craft and reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. The machine- made copperware, however, for the last few decades has emerged a new challenge for the centuries-old copperware industry of the valley.

Machine-made copperware is rapidly gaining ground, posing a formidable challenge to the traditional craftsmen who have long dominated the market.

As a result, traditional Kashmiri copper artisans are finding themselves in a tough battle to compete with their machine-made counterparts. Many are struggling to adapt to the changing market dynamics, facing declining demand for their handcrafted products.

“We are facing unprecedented challenges from machinemade copperware. Our products may be crafted with care and attention to detail, but the onslaught by machine-made copperware had brought down its worth,” said Abdul Aziz Lankar, a copperware artisans and a dealer.

He said the advent of modern manufacturing techniques and the rise of machine-made copperware have begun to disrupt this age-old industry.

“With advanced machinery capable of mass production, manufacturers can churn out copperware at a fraction of the time and cost required by traditional artisans. This shift has not gone unnoticed by consumers, who are increasingly drawn to the convenience and affordability offered by machine-made copperware,” Lankar said.