What Happened to the Tea Cozies of Kashmir

The story of the Kashmiri tea cozy is a fascinating tale. For decades, the tea cozy was a staple in Kashmiri homes to keep the chai (nun chai or Lipton chai) or Kahwa warm. The tea cozy was always the companion of the ceramic or metal teapot used for secondary servings. As the teapot’s daily use declined, so did the commonality of the cozy.

Earlier, there were no modern flasks, only ceramic or steel teapots. Tea cozies were used to keep the tea warm in these teapots. The rise of modern vacuum flasks (thermoses) and electric kettles has largely replaced the traditional teapot-and-cozy setup for everyday use. Most households now prefer the convenience of a steel kettle to keep tea hot for hours.

While the Kashmiri tea cozy hasn’t disappeared, its role has shifted from a common household necessity to a specialized artisanal craft or a nostalgic collector’s item. And that’s due to the amazing craftsmanship.

The tea cozy is currently available in the following famous Kashmiri embroidery styles:

1. Crewel Embroidery on Namda: The Namda tea cozy uses thick wool yarn and features the iconic “Aari” work with vibrant floral and paisley motifs.

2. Chainstitch: Often covering the entire surface of the cozy, these designs turn a simple kitchen tool into a piece of textile art.

3. Novelty Shapes: To appeal to modern markets and tourists, artisans began creating cozies in unique shapes, such as hens, roosters, or camels, blending functionality with playful design.

Today, if you visit a home in Srinagar, you are more likely to see a vacuum flask kettle on the dastarkhwan. However, the tea cozy remains a symbol of Kashmiri hospitality. It is still pulled out for use in upscale cafes and heritage hotels that want to preserve the “old world” charm of a proper tea service.

If you are interested in buying a Kashmiri tea cozy, you can order from gyawun.com. International shipping is also available.