In US, PM Modi gifts silver train model to Biden, pashmina shawl to First Lady

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gifted US President Joe Biden an antique silver hand-engraved train model. He also presented First Lady Jill Biden with a high quality pashmina shawl woven from the shearing of goats found in the higher altitude areas of Ladakh.

The vintage silver hand-engraved train model is a rare and extraordinary piece, masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra -- renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. Made of 92.5 per cent silver, the model showcases the pinnacle of Indian metal-working artistry, with elaborate details achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repoussé (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs) and intricate filigree work.

This creation is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, with artistic brilliance merging with historical significance. Signifying the robust linkages between India and the US, the model has been customised by inscribing “Delhi-Delaware” – Delaware is the home state of President Biden.

On the sides of the carriage, the words “Indian Railways” is inscribed in English and Hindi -- based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.

The pashmina shawl was presented to the First Lady in a papier mache box.

The story of the shawls begins with goats that inhabit the Changthang plateau in the high altitudes of Ladakh. The goat’s winter coat, known as “pashm”, is the soul of the shawl. This fine and soft fibre is hand-combed. Skilled artisans spin “pashm” into yarn, often by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The palette of a pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it hails from. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals infuse the fabric with vibrant hues.

Pashmina shawls are heirlooms passed down through generations, carrying memories and emotions within their threads. Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colors, playful patterns and even fusion styles.

Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mâché boxes from J&K, which are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are functional and serve as decorative items in their own right.