In pictures: Srinagar’s skilled coppersmiths make post-lockdown recovery amid pandemic

Kashmir's iconic coppersmiths are hard at work. People in Downtown Srinagar are familiar with the repetitive beating of the copper and the thumping sound of metal. The clanking of utensils here is symbolic of the dexterity of a community of coppersmiths that has been crafting products for years now. Indian Express photographer Shuaib Masoodi captured them at work recently, and these arresting images are testament to their toil. Scroll down to read more about them. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Most of the coppersmiths here have been at it for years now. As a result of which, the deliberate banging and beating is music to their ears. A well-shaped plate or a finely-crafted bowl is their reward. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

If you were previously unaware, copperware is quite an industry in itself, in Kashmir, which employs many people -- some of whom have been doing this for generations. Unfortunately, like many businesses, the copper manufacturers have also suffered losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

A report in 'The Kashmir Monitor' states that when the lockdown stopped the flow of raw material for copperware, many coppersmiths had to look for alternative ways of making money, with some even shifting to shawl weaving and designing to eke out a living. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

But as things started to look up in 2021, the craftsmen here have gone back to chiselling copper items. There was, until the pandemic, a huge demand for copperware. Especially, during weddings and such, when people would drink tea from cups and mugs made of copper, and serve food on copper plates. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

"Recovery is slow here," said one of the coppersmiths on the condition of anonymity, "but we are slowly picking up again. No one knows when this pandemic will end, and just like other businesses, ours has suffered a lot. But, we hope that things do not deteriorate that we go into a state of lockdown again, as that would be costly for us." (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Wazwan, the famous multi-course Kashmiri delicacy is unimaginable without copper plates. Especially, when there is an important occasion in the family, the meal has to be served on copper plates, and using other such copper utensils. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Like everything else, perfection takes time, too. Work is not easy for coppersmiths, who have to rely on raw material from different states. A steady flow of goods, therefore, is important. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Additionally, the process of copperware is incomplete without the involvement of a blacksmith, a gilder, a polisher, and a cleaner. The craftsmen work on vessels -- bowls, plates, cups, etc. -- to give them distinct shapes and unique designs. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

It is said that each vessel holds a unique purpose and design. While some are just plain -- without any intricate work on them, and for everyday use -- others are decorated heavily, priced more, and used on -- as mentioned before -- special occasions, often held as collectibles. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

The vessels also signify a confluence of cultures, following Indo-Persian techniques. The ornamentation on the surface, however, mostly remains unique to the Valley, with the most common motifs being those of chinar (maple leaf), badaam (almond) and mehrab (arch). (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)