
We bring you a wide range of quality handicrafts from India:-
Chainstitch carpets, rugs and cushion covers from Kashmir, silver and gem stone jewellery from Tibetan refugees, walnut wood boxes, gifts and furniture from artisans in Kashmir, original water-colour paintings by a co-operative from Andhra Pradesh.
Crafts are an integral part of life in India, despite the rapid technological and social changes that are taking place. In the West, special artists create craft objects and they are considered to be 'luxury' items, but in India (like many other developing countries) it is the main source of employment for a vast majority of the population, second only to agriculture.
Despite the growth of the handicrafts industry in India, the average earnings of the artisan is very low when compared to other industries. This is the reason that the younger generation is moving to other fields. The average age of many master craftsmen is around 50 years old.
The improvements in education and lifestyle of the middle-classes in India have contributed to the loss of traditional native crafts. The market has been flooded with cheap plastic items and synthetic materials. Peepul Tree is assisting some craftsmen to find markets and benefit from the rewards of fair trade with the West.













