In the heart of Srinagar, where vibrant life flows through labyrinthine alleys, Sajad Muzaffar Zarkob carries a legacy forged in fire and time.

Each vessel is a canvas, adorned with the stories of Kashmir. Izband Soz, whispers of traditions passed on from generations to generations. Surayi, the traditional water vessel, speaks of the cool mountain streams of Kashmir. And Kandkari, the art of engraving, etches intricate narratives onto the burnished surface. Recently, Sajad has witnessed a curious trend: a surge in demand for copperware adorned with Islamic calligraphy. Verses dance across the metal, transforming into blessings that grace living rooms and kitchens. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of copper, its ability to adapt and evolve while holding onto its ancient soul. But machine-made imitations pose a threat.

“People don’t always understand the difference,” Sajad laments. He dreams of a future where innovation empowers both quality and affordability, making handcrafted copperware accessible to all. He urges the youth to embrace the fire, to not just market, but to create. “Innovate to make it better,” he challenges them. “Or innovate to make it accessible. Let copper sing its songs in every Kashmiri home, mixing heritage and modernity.”

Sajad’s story is not just about copperware, it is about the human spirit, about the echoes of tradition resonating in the present, and the embers of innovation waiting to be fanned into flames.

It’s a story that begs to be heard, whispered in the murmur of metal and fire, echoing through the vibrant alleys of Srinagar, and carried on the winds that caress the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir.

He is the third generation in his family to breathe life into copper, shaping it into exquisite vessels that whisper tales of Kashmir’s ancient spirit.

His ancestors, like skilled alchemists, transmuted silver and gold, but their hearts were drawn to the warm embrace of copper.