Paper Mache

Paper Mache is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste. Waste paper and clay mixed together produces a beautiful and ethnic looking pulp known as paper mache. Toys from paper mache are well made in Jaipur by the artists who craft animals and birds in an attractive blend of colors and artistic imaginatation. Artists at Palai in Tonk make beautiful paper mache furniture. Banasthali is known for its attractive multipurpose bowls. Paper mache has found a place in the commercial market and variety of products are made out of it and exported.

Papier mache has been used for doll heads starting as early as 1540, molded in two parts from a mixture of paper pulp, clay, and plaster, and then glued together, with the head then smoothed, painted and varnished.