Exploring Artistry Through Visual Stories

  In the deserts of Punjab, the camel is a revered and indispensable part of life. It serves as both a means of transportation and a vital source of sustenance during tough times. Multan, a historically significant city in southern Punjab, has gained international recognition for its camel skin craft. Families in Multan have been practicing this craft for centuries, passing down their skills through generations. This craft not only reflects the local culture but also earns accolades for the city and the nation. Over time, camel skin craftsmanship has evolved to capture the interest of newer generations while retaining its essence. It stands as a testament to Multan's enduring creativity and artisanal excellence. The enduring art of Naqaashi, the traditional craft of camel skin crafting, has weathered a challenging and meticulous journey throughout its history. Ancient artisans faced numerous obstacles and uncertainties while striving to preserve their craftsmanship. The support for...

Multani camel bone carving is a traditional craft that involves intricately carving designs and patterns into camel bones to create decorative items and artifacts.Multani camel bone carving has a rich history dating back several centuries. It originated in the region of Multan, which is located in present-day Pakistan. Multan has a long history of artistic traditions, and camel bone carving is one of the many crafts that have thrived in the area. The craft is closely associated with the cultural heritage of Multan and the broader South Asian region. The skilled artisans who practice Multani camel bone carving are often from families with a history of involvement in the craft. These artisans are highly skilled and have passed down their knowledge and techniques through generations. The art requires precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the medium (camel bone) to create intricate and beautiful designs. The craft involves the carving of intricate patterns and designs...

Multan, known for its rich tradition of handicrafts, boasts an exquisite art form called "Okair Sazi," which holds a special place among the crafts of the region, particularly in the realm of leatherwork. "Okair," a term derived from the Siryaki language, signifies the art of embossing. This intricate craft involves creating embossed designs on leather products, especially the traditional footwear known as "Khussa," using special threads known as "Tila." The process begins with the creation of a design on paper, using a sharp needle. These needles come in various sizes, ranging from 1mm to 5mm, each suited for different design intricacies. Once the design is meticulously crafted on paper, it is affixed to the desired location on the footwear. Subsequently, skilled artisans adorn the leather with embroidery, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Niaz Ahmed, a revered figure in this art form, has revitalized "Okair Sazi" and introduced it to a ...

BLUE POTTERY Ustaad sajid, the only craftsman left in the city, continues to preserve and promote blue pottery due to its historical and cultural significance of the city. Ustaad Wajid, a true master of Multani blue pottery, holds the key to the genuine art that defines this ancient craft. With deep expertise in the delicate techniques and designs, he's a living connection to a heritage that spans many years. His commitment to preserving and passing on the essence of Multani blue pottery is truly remarkable. Under Ustaad Wajid's guidance, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of blue pottery with a mentor who's an expert in every sense. His patient teaching, keen attention to detail, and passion for the craft illuminated my journey. Through his guidance, I not only learned the technical aspects of the art but also absorbed the stories and traditions each brushstroke carried. From the careful process ...

  The origins of Multani blue pottery can be traced back to the 14th century when it was introduced by Persian craftsmen to the local artisans in Multan. The art form quickly gained popularity due to its distinctive aesthetics and intricate patterns. It's important to note that the term "Kashikari" refers to the art of decorating ceramics with blue designs and is often associated with this style of pottery. The technique used in creating Multani blue pottery involves a process that combines elements of both ceramics and painting. The clay used for making these items is first shaped into various forms like plates, bowls, vases, and tiles. Once the forms are ready, a special glaze, often turquoise or cobalt blue, is applied to the surface. This glaze is responsible for the vivid blue color that is characteristic of Multani blue pottery. After the glaze is applied, skilled artisans hand-paint intricate motifs onto the surface using fine brushes. These motifs often feature a ...

I'm deeply interested in the world of Multani crafts and culture, and I'm eager to channel that enthusiasm into creating innovative artworks. Exploring the diverse range of Multani crafts, including blue pottery, naqashi, camel bone carving, naqashi on camel skin, okersazi, and block printing, excites me. Through these crafts, I see an opportunity to merge tradition with contemporary creativity, crafting pieces that honor the heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. My past artistic endeavors have consistently delved into themes of nostalgia, emotions, identity, dreams, and illusions, often taking shape as sculptures or immersive installations. Now, being rooted in Multan, my hometown, I'm drawn to harnessing the power of Multani crafts as a medium to amplify my personal identity, culture, and heritage. This connection goes beyond mere aesthetics – it's a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and an ode to my origins. Multani crafts hold a profound significance as the...