Carpet making began in Kashmir during the 16th Century but it was in the 19th Century when it really began to flourish. During this time, the market for cashmere shawls was dwindling in Europe as a result of the introduction of mechanical weaving. To compensate, many Kashmir craftsmen transferred their skills from shawls to carpet making. Already acquainted with the most delicate work, they quickly developed expertise for the most intricate knotting. Now the Kashmir Silk carpets are regarded amongst the finest in the world.

The rugs are made from cocoon silk on a cotton warp and weft. They are finely knotted requiring small fingers. As child labour has been abolished women are employed to do the knotting. These days less women are prepared to do this tedious work, pushing up wages. With world wide demand growing faster than the supply, prices have been on a continual rise.

At Hali we have the largest range of Kashmir Silk carpets in Australia.