January mornings in Kashmir begin with mist. The sky hangs low, and the rivers turn to mirrors of grey. During this hush, a small workshop glows with firelight. A potter sits before his spinning wheel, hands coated in clay drawn from the banks of Jhelum, earth that has felt the footsteps of time.
The art of Kashmiri pottery is among the valley’s oldest crafts. It began in the humble courtyards of Ganderbal and Budgam, where generations have shaped clay into forms that carry both beauty and utility. From traditional teacups to glazed vases and lamps, each piece holds a fragment of the land’s warmth.
As the wheel turns, the artisan’s hands find balance, firm yet gentle, guiding the clay through a dance between strength and fragility. The smell of wet earth mixes with that of burning pinewood. Outside, snowflakes fall like soft confetti; inside, the fire roars alive, baking each vessel into permanence.
Every pot is then painted in deep blues and soft whites, reminiscent of the sky and snow. These patterns, simple yet soulful, are echoes of Kashmir’s natural palette.
At Hands of Gold, we bring these handcrafted marvels from the heart of the valley to homes far beyond its mountains. Each piece of pottery carries with it a promise that even in the coldest month, warmth can be held in the palms of your hands.