Humble papier-mâché is the new design world favourite

SRINAGAR STAMBH
 

Asheish Shah

The ‘Srinagar Stambh’ depicts a fusion of Indian handicrafts and contemporary aesthetics. Crafted from papier-mâché, its elongated structure is adorned in pristine white, comprising a series of five arched sections that elegantly overlap. Meticulously crafted by the skilled Kashmiri Sakhta makers, who intricately layer hand-mixed paper pulp to sculpt the form, this process unfolds over the course of several weeks. With illuminated rings casting a mesmerising glow that form a captivating visual illusion, this creation pays homage to the magnificent city of Srinagar, reflecting the exquisite beauty that defines Kashmir's artistic heritage.

WARLI ART BASKETS
 

Padukas Artisans

Warli art is a traditional form of tribal art by the Warli people of Maharashtra. Characterised by its simple yet spellbinding style, using a basic colour palette of white on a reddish-brown background, Warli art features geometric shapes, stick-like human figures, and rudimentary depictions of daily life and rituals. These Warli baskets uniquely marry the age-old techniques of jute basketry with papier-mâché, resulting in pieces that are not only functional but also rich in cultural significance. Meticulously hand-painted with vibrant acrylic colours, each basket becomes a canvas that narrates stories of the tribe’s heritage and daily life. 

ABSTRACT SCULPTURES
 

Rodrigo Hernandez

Mexican visual artist Rodrigo Hernandez’s artworks, at first glance, may seem simple but carry complex questions about the world around us—referring to art history, elements of literature, and a number of manmade concepts such as the idea of time or what makes us human. His abstract sculptures embrace papier-mâché for its accessibility and versatility, and he began using the humble material because it was “easy to find and cheap,” allowing him the freedom to experiment widely, he describes. Hernandez also came to appreciate how papier-mâché could be transformed into diverse textures, colours and forms through simple techniques. “The material allowed me to go in many directions, very often surprising me with its results. 

LITHIFIED LIVES (RESURGŌ SERIES)

Savia Mahajan

For Indian ceramic artist Savia Mahajan, paper is a remarkably versatile material that lends itself to her sculptural explorations. She uses it in diverse forms—pulp, sheets, books and scraps—often combined with clay in her works. “As the core ingredient of paper is fibre cellulose, it has the potential to produce volume and dimension when pulped, folded or crumpled,” she explains. This range of textures and possibilities inspires Mahajan's techniques. “In the wet stage of my work the paper is present, but when I fire the sculptures at high temperatures above 1,200°C, the paper burns out leaving its character embedded in the ceramic works,” she points out.

CAST PAPER SCULPTURES
 

Zarina Hashmi
In the 1980s, Indian-born American artist Zarina Hashmi began using cast paper (a crafting technique in which paper fibre or pulp is formed using a mould) as a medium for a number of monochromatic sculptures. Today, four of these have been on display at art gallery Akara Modern in Mumbai, which include the grid-like ‘Pools’, inspired by the red sandstone of Fatehpur Sikri, whose architecture she loved; and ‘Phool’, which alludes to a flower from her father’s garden—a fragrance that lingered in her mind.

WHITE MEMORIES
 

Ravikumar Kashi

Bengaluru-based artist Ravikumar Kashi learnt handmade papermaking from The Glasgow School of Art, Scotland, and Hanji—a traditional Korean papermaking technique—from Jang Ji Bang, Korea. Using cast cotton rag and paper pulp, he has moulded this minimalist cast paper wall hanging depicting a humble kerosene lantern.

FACE 30
 

Archana Rajguru

In a unique spin, Hyderabad-based artist Archana Rajguru crochets used wool to weave features of a face on top of a papier-mâché mould in her latest piece from her ‘Head’ series of artworks. While the interplay of colours makes it a visually striking piece for a wall, the unusual horn above it creates a conversation starter at gatherings.

SLANT VASE
 

Ikai Asai

This textured papier-mâché vase is handcrafted by artisans in Kashmir for Ikai Asai's Lila collection inspired by the gentle pace of life in Puducherry. To create the papier-mâché, skilled Kashmiri craftsmen start by soaking or boiling paper to create a pliable pulp. This pulp is mixed with a starchy adhesive like flour and water to form a thick paste. The artisans shape the vase by layering strips of paper soaked in the paste over a moulded form, reinforcing the shape with wire or textiles. As the papier-mâché dries, the adhesive hardens, capturing the organic undulations. Slight variations in the neutral tones and hand-shaped form reflect the craftsmanship.

HAND-PAINTED AND LACQUERED PAPIER MÂCHÉ LIDDED BOX

Japan, circa 1910

This exquisite circular papier-mâché box exemplifies fine Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Made around 1910, the lidded box displays the artistic techniques used to create these decorative vessels. Its base is formed through the traditional papier-mâché process, with paper strips layered using an adhesive paste to build up the shape. This is then covered with black urushi lacquer made from the sap of the toxic lacquer tree, creating a glossy background. Masterful hand-painted details are applied atop the black lacquer in vivid pigments mixed with lacquer. A delicate scene with figures, trees and architecture decorates the lid, accented by shimmering gold gilt. 

THE NODARA COLLECTION
 

PaperVivantArt

If you’re looking for a collection of uniquely designed papier-mâché bowls and vases, the Nodara collection with its organic colours and textures is your best bet! Made with handmade and recycled paper clay and eco-friendly glue, this set of five pieces is perfect on a centre table together or as singular objects around the home.