Six Centuries of Hand-Painting Tradition
Our Story
House of Samavar is a mother-daughter brand founded by Puja and Dikshita Khullar. Puja was born and brought up in Srinagar, Kashmir — surrounded by the art of paper mache from childhood. The sound of artisans at work, the smell of lacquer drying in the sun, the sight of vases being painted petal by petal — this craft is woven into her earliest memories.
Together, Puja and Dikshita aim to bring this centuries-old artistry to the world. They work directly with master Naqash artisans whose families have practiced the craft for generations — ensuring every piece preserves the authenticity and soul of Kashmiri craftsmanship while meeting the standards of modern luxury.
Every piece in our collection is made entirely by hand, from the initial forming to the final brushstroke. No machines. No shortcuts. Just the human hand, natural pigments, and six hundred years of inherited skill.
A master Naqash artisan hand-painting a custom order in his workshop in Kashmir
The Art of Paper Mache
Kashmiri paper mache is one of the oldest decorative crafts in the world, dating back to the 14th century when Persian artisans brought the technique to the Kashmir valley. Over six centuries, Kashmiri craftsmen refined it into an art form that is uniquely their own — layering paper, painting with natural pigments, and finishing with lacquer to create objects of extraordinary beauty.
01
Forming
Layers of paper are soaked, pulped, and moulded over wooden forms. Each piece is shaped entirely by hand, dried slowly in the Kashmiri sun, and sanded to a smooth finish. This foundation takes weeks of patient work.
02
Painting
Master artisans known as Naqash apply intricate designs using fine brushes made from cat hair and natural pigments. Chinar leaves, paisleys, florals, and Mughal court scenes emerge stroke by stroke. A single vase can take weeks to paint.
03
Lacquering
Multiple coats of lacquer are applied and hand-polished between each layer. This gives the paper mache its distinctive luminous depth and protects the painting for generations. The lacquer catches light like no other finish.
04
Finishing
Every piece undergoes careful inspection. Brass fittings are added to lamps, glass tops to tables, and each item receives a final polish. No two pieces are ever identical. Each carries the unique hand of its maker.
Our Vision
We believe in the luxury of the handmade — in objects that tell stories, carry history, and grow more beautiful with time. Our mission is to bring Kashmir's artistic legacy into homes, hotels, and living spaces around the world — preserving the craft by giving it the global stage it deserves.
Every piece from House of Samavar is not just a product. It is a living connection to centuries of artistry, a piece of Kashmir you can hold in your hands.