The art of Papier Mache was introduced from Central Asia by the Muslims. The technique involves kneading of soaked waste paper, cloth, rice straw and copper sulfate into a pulp which is pressed around a mould made of clay, wood or metal. Certain craftsmen don't even depend on moulds for giving the structure. They use the pulp as soft clay and model it with hands. A lot many artifacts like Wall Hangings boxes, human and animal figures etc can be made by this craft. Papier Mache Wall Hangings thus made can give different accents to the surroundings.

Kashmir is best known for the craft in India. The prepares structures have geometric shapes and intricate patterns finely painted on the smooth surfaces. The patterns depict flowers and birds, resembling the Persian art forms. The most famous styles are 'Arabesque', that is done in gold on a brown or red and 'Yarkand', an elaborate design built up in spirals with gold rosettes radiating from different centers and white flowers laid over gold scroll work.

The Papier Mache in Madhya Pradesh and further down south are toys and masks. The tribal Wall Hangings have a rough texture. Their the surface is not varnished yet they have a typical earthen appeal.