New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a handmade model of an antique train made of silver to US President Joe Biden. This is a rare and extraordinary artwork prepared by artisans of Maharashtra, which shows the excellence of Indian metal craftsmanship.
Officials said that this ancient artwork has intricate work and is made of 92.5 percent silver. This artwork is dedicated to the era of steam engine-driven trains. It is a mixture of artistic brilliance and historical importance. He said that reflecting the strong relationship between India and America, this model has ‘Delhi-Delaware’ written on both sides of the main coach and ‘Indian Railways’ on both sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used in passenger trains in India. This artwork not only shows the extraordinary skill of craftsmanship, but is also a great proof of the long history of Indian Railways and its global influences.
Officials said that Modi presented a pashmina shawl kept in a ‘papier mache’ box to US First Lady Jill Biden. Pashmina shawls are a sample of the rich and fine heritage of handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that contemporary designers are experimenting with modern art, darker colors, new patterns and ‘fusion’ (combination of two or more arts) styles in pashmina craftsmanship.
This ensures that the legacy of pashmina remains relevant and continues to win hearts across generations and cultures, officials said. Pashmina shawls are traditionally shipped from Jammu and Kashmir in ‘papier mache’ boxes. These boxes are famous for their mesmerizing beauty and craftsmanship. They are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue and other natural materials. Each box is a unique piece of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, they said. These boxes are not only useful but also used for decoration, officials said.
