Silver train model for Joe Biden, Pashmina for Jill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted US President Joe Biden a silver train model made by master artisans from Maharashtra and First Lady Jill Biden a Pashmina shawl in a papier mache box. 

Info About Gift

1. Silver train model for Joe Biden

Modi gifted Biden an antique silver hand-engraved train model.

Details

• The piece made by master artisans from Maharashtra, which is known for its rich heritage of silver craftsmanship showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry.
• The piece which is made up of 92.5 percent silver has intricate filigree work.

Significance

• A tribute to the steam locomotive era, it merges artistic brilliance and historical significance.
• The model also pays tribute to the India-US relationship with the world ‘Delhi-Delaware’ inscribed on the sides of the main carriage and ‘Indian Railways’ on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi.

Biden a Train Lover 

• He expressed and said It’s no secret I love trains. 
• I’ve taken more than 7,000 round trips on Amtrak over the course of my career. When there was a chance to take a train trip to meet voters, it was full steam ahead.

2. Pashmina for Jill

For the First Lady, Modi picked a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box.

Origin  

Pashmina shawls are considered the apex of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich and fine legacy of handcraft.

Design 

Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colors, playful patterns, and even fusion styles.

This ensures the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant, captivating hearts across generations and cultures.

Period of Origin  

Pashmina was discovered in the 16th Century when India was under Mughal rule.

Handcraft  

Crafted by hand, It is made from the fleece of Changthangi Goat found only 15,000 feet above sea level in Ladakh.

Speciality  

• Its winter coat, known as Pashm, is the soul of the shawl. 
• This incredibly fine and soft fiber is hand-combed and crafted by hand.
• Pashminas are famed for their softness and warmth.
• Families have passed down the skill of weaving a pashmina from generation to generation.

Packing

• Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, 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 not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right.