Walnut Woodwork

A forest tradition carved by hand.

The art of walnut wood carving in Kashmir traces its roots to the 15th century, flourishing under the patronage of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah) — the same visionary ruler who brought Persian artisans to the valley and nurtured a golden age of crafts. He encouraged the use of walnut wood — a hardwood found almost nowhere else in the subcontinent — and inspired generations of artisans to develop their own distinct carving techniques.

Unlike softer woods, Kashmiri walnut allows for incredibly detailed hand carving — from deep floral arabesques to delicate latticework. Passed down through lineages of master carvers, the process remains unchanged: drawn by hand, carved with small chisels, and sanded smooth to reveal the wood’s natural grain.

At Maison Kashmir, we honour this slow art by offering pieces that are both functional and sculptural — trays, keepsake boxes, candle stands — each one a quiet celebration of Kashmir’s forest heritage