Cachemire Inde | 1927

Cachemire Inde, 1927, Designer Unknown

This vibrant travel poster showcases the serene beauty of Kashmir, India, with a striking composition of cherry blossoms framing a traditional boat scene. In the foreground, delicate pink and white cherry blossom branches create a natural window onto Dal Lake, where a brightly coloured yellow and red shikara (a traditional Kashmiri wooden boat) is being piloted by a figure in orange. The boat features a distinctive canopy and ornate detailing. Through the blossoms, a majestic snow-capped mountain rises in the background against a clear blue sky, completing this tranquil scene. The poster uses a bright, appealing colour palette of pinks, blues, yellows, and reds to convey the exotic beauty of this destination. The word "CACHEMIRE" (the French spelling of Kashmir) appears in red at the bottom of the image, with "INDE" (India) in bold black text beneath it on a yellow banner.

This poster was produced in 1927 during the interwar period when international tourism was beginning to expand beyond the traditional wealthy elite. It was likely commissioned by the Tourist Division of the Indian Ministry of Transport, which was promoting travel to the Indian subcontinent, particularly to Kashmir, which was known as the "Switzerland of the East." The French text indicates this poster was specifically targeted at French-speaking tourists, as European colonial powers were developing tourism in their territories and beyond. During this period, Dal Lake and its surroundings had already established itself as a prime tourist destination, with its distinctive shikaras and houseboats becoming iconic symbols of Kashmiri tourism. The inclusion of cherry blossoms is particularly noteworthy, as Kashmir's springtime blooms of cherry and almond blossoms have been a significant tourist attraction since the early 20th century, with garden areas like Badamwari in Srinagar drawing visitors specifically to view these seasonal displays.