What is Pashmina Shawl?
Pashmina—composed of pure cashmere wool that is derived from the Changthangi cashmere goat, is a name of luxury. Pashmina shawl (披肩) or wraps is well-esteemed for its exceptionally soft, lightweight, cozy fabric. Pashmina shawl (披肩) is the craft of wool woven from pashm, underfur of the Changthangi goat. The uniqueness of these goats is that they can only be located in the Himalayan mountains of high altitude and therefore the Changthangi goat needs to stand firm against the extremely low temperature of the Himalayas. The temperature which could fall to as low -50 degree celsius. This cold and chilly weather enable them to grow this prestigious wool called “Pashm”. And that is the reason why this fabric “Pashmina shawl (披肩)” is so special and rare.
Process of obtaining the Pashmina: From Pashm to Pashmina
The pashm obtained from the Changthangi goat needs to be first refined from the dirt that comes along on it. The refinement process includes, isolation of the dirt and the goat’s hair, straightening out of the pashm, and then lastly it is carried on to be spun. Fabrics such as wool or cotton needs to be spun, and therefore gaining the name ‘spun fabrics’. This process is however, very tedious and long lasting. As this process is concluded, the fabric is then carried on to be dyed, with eye-catching patterns and designs by experienced and skillful artists. This is how the widely reputed “Pashmina” is formed.
History: Dated back to the Mughal times and even before
Pashmina is not something recently discovered, it was widely regarded by the emperors in the mughal times. Cashmere, Pashmina shawls had caught eyes of the royals in the Mughal emperors in the 15th century and it was around then, that it started to acquire a name for being a marvelous fabric, with emperors boasting about it. Emperor Akbar is famous for being a fanatic when it comes to Pashmina Cashmere shawls. The popularity was gained when Emperor Akbar gifted the alluring Pashmina Cashmere shawls (披肩) to his spouses. It was then that the name Pashmina Cashmere started to blossom. The Mughal Empire was well-known for it’s desire to own the most luxurious and fines item that were available at the time and Pashmina was one of them. Pashmina Cashmere Shawls are also reported to be a beloved possession of Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Empress Josiphine. From back then till now, the love for Pashmina Cashmere shawls (披肩) didn’t fade.
