Carved walnut woodwork is among the most important crafts of Kashmir. The raw material used for the fine woodcarving of Kashmir is obtained from walnut tree locally known as ‘Doon Kul’ and is cut only once it matures to an age of 300 years. Walnut woodcarving is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom during the reign of Zain-ul-Abideen in the 15th century. The king promoted the art to improve the valley’s economy.
