Preserving a craft. Sustaining livelihoods. Carrying a legacy forward.
Kastoor was born from a deeply personal connection to Kashmir and its extraordinary crafts, a connection woven through generations of our founder Asim Hyder’ family, and traditional Kashmiri artistry have long been a way of life.
For us, this journey has never been only about preserving a centuries-old craft. It is about supporting the people whose hands continue to keep it alive.
Across generations, Kashmiri artisans have perfected the art of handwoven Pashmina, Kani weaving, Sozni embroidery, handcrafted rugs, carpets and heritage weaves. These are crafts that demand extraordinary patience, precision and years of mastery. Yet today, sustaining these traditions as a livelihood is becoming increasingly difficult. As opportunities diminish, many artisans are compelled to leave behind skills that have been passed down through generations. When that happens, we lose far more than a craft. We lose a living part of Kashmir’s cultural identity.
Kastoor exists to help change that.
Our mission is to build a sustainable future for authentic Kashmiri craftsmanship by creating meaningful opportunities for the artisans and communities who continue to practise these remarkable traditions. By connecting their work with discerning patrons across India and around the world, we hope to create lasting demand that allows these crafts to flourish, ensuring they are carried forward rather than left behind.
HERITAGE, MADE RELEVANT
We believe heritage should never be confined to the past.
At Kastoor, traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship finds its place in contemporary living. Our collections of authentic Pashmina shawls, Kani weaves, Sozni embroidery, handcrafted rugs, carpets and textiles honour centuries of artistry while embracing timeless design and modern sensibilities.
Every creation reflects an enduring tradition that continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
The materials matter just as much as the craftsmanship behind them. We work with natural, renewable and biodegradable fibres that respect both the traditions of Kashmir and a more conscious way of living.
For us, sustainability is both ecological and cultural. It means caring for the materials we use while ensuring the knowledge, artistry and craftsmanship behind them continue to thrive for generations to come.
FROM KASHMIR TO THE WORLD
Craft should never be limited by geography.
Today, Kastoor brings authentic Kashmiri Pashmina, Kani shawls, handcrafted rugs, carpets and heritage textiles to homes and wardrobes across the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
Every piece that reaches a new home carries with it more than exceptional craftsmanship. It carries the story of the artisans who created it, creating greater visibility, meaningful opportunities and a stronger future for the communities that continue to preserve these extraordinary traditions.
A LEGACY WORTH CARRYING FORWARD
Kastoor is ultimately about continuity.
It is about ensuring that the artisans who have safeguarded Kashmiri craftsmanship for generations can continue to practise it with dignity and pride. It is equally about giving traditional skills a meaningful place in today’s world, where heritage is valued not only for where it comes from, but for where it can go.
We believe authentic craftsmanship should remain relevant, desirable and sustainable, allowing future generations of artisans to inherit these skills rather than see them disappear.
We don’t simply want to preserve what has been passed down to us.
We want to ensure there is something truly worth passing down.
That is the mission behind Kastoor.