Naqashi (camel skin art)

 

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 this handicraft has allowed the people of Pakistan to take immense pride in their diverse cultural traditions, passed down through generations. The exceptional talents of these craftsmen earned them respect and maintained the significance of their craft over the ages.


By the late 19th century, Naqaashi began to gain considerable momentum, thanks to highly skilled artisans like Master Muhammad Wali Abdullah, born in 1880. His extraordinary talent and creativity produced remarkable and intricately detailed pieces of art that inspired many to carry forward this art form to greater heights. One of his notable achievements was the successful experimentation with lighting a camel skin lamp using an electric bulb in 1910, a groundbreaking innovation.




Master Muhammad Wali Abdullah's pioneering work earned him recognition in 1930 when the Nawab of Bahawalpur awarded him a gold medal for his contributions. In 1936, even the British Government acknowledged his skills and dedication, presenting him with an Appreciation Award and Medal. He not only mastered the traditional craft but also elevated it to new levels of sophistication. Master Muhammad Wali Abdullah's legacy continued to inspire and enrich the world of craftsmanship even after his passing in 1952.




Ustaad Muhammad Aashiq Naqaash 1930-2006






Ustad Malik Muhammad Aashiq Naqaash, an accomplished engraver and recipient of the Presidential Award, was born in 1930. He inherited his remarkable artistic talents from his renowned artisan father, Muhammad Abdullah, and excelled in the art of Naqaashi, or carving. His vision extended beyond personal mastery; he aspired to popularize this art form on a global scale.



With unwavering dedication, he organized exhibitions in Arab and Gulf States, Southeast Asian countries, and even a few European nations, showcasing his exceptional camel skin lamps and handcrafted creations. Some of his masterpieces found their place in esteemed museums worldwide, including the Toronto Museum in Canada, Berlin Museum in Germany, Churchill Museum in Britain, and Paris Museum in France.



Ustad Malik Muhammad Aashiq Naqaash was not just an artist but also a mentor. He inspired and trained young talents in various innovative techniques, leading to the development of a wide array of camel skin handicrafts. He facilitated national and international workshops, fostering creativity within the artisan community. In 1958, his dedication earned him the Industrial Award.



His intricate designs and vibrant colors graced the decorations of Serena Hotel in Faisalabad, showcasing many of his unique masterpieces. In 1989, he received the prestigious Aga Khan Award, a testament to his artistic prowess. His relentless efforts to promote traditional Multani camel skin craftsmanship bore fruit when he conceptualized the Craft Bazaar in Multan.



Ustad Malik Muhammad Aashiq Naqaash not only created beautiful works of art but also documented his expertise in a book titled "Abjad Naqaashi." This publication aimed to inspire young students to explore the world of camel craft-making and experiment with fresh, eye-catching designs.




In 1990, he was honored with the esteemed Pride of Performance Presidential Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the world of art. Although he passed away in 2006, his legacy lives on through his son, who continues the mission of preserving and promoting this cherished craft.

Malik Abd-ur- Rehman Naqaash 

Ustad Malik Muhammad Aashiq was fortunate to pass on his artistic legacy to his equally gifted son, Muhammad Abd-ur-Rehman, born in 1970. From a young age, Abd-ur-Rehman displayed a natural affinity for learning the intricate craft of camel skin artistry, setting his sights on mastering this unique form of expression.


He proudly continued the tradition established by his forefathers, who had garnered acclaim both nationally and internationally. In the footsteps of his father, Muhammad Abd-ur-Rehman dedicated himself tirelessly to propagate the local craft of Multan on a global scale. His relentless efforts extended far and wide.


Muhammad Abd-ur-Rehman organized exhibitions showcasing camel skin handicrafts alongside other famous crafts from Multan. These exhibitions spanned across countries such as the Gulf States, neighboring Arab nations, Iran, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Britain, the USA, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. In his role as a goodwill ambassador, he represented Pakistan and highlighted camel skin artwork as an indigenous treasure solely belonging to Multan, Pakistan.


His innovative spirit led to the creation of remarkable products, including intricately designed invitation cards and unique oil holding receptacles, among others, all crafted from camel skin. Through his work, he conveyed the powerful message that art has the capacity to foster peace and love across the globe, transcending boundaries and uniting people in appreciation of cultural diversity.

Coming from a family of craftsmen, known for the art of Naqaashi (carving) for nine centuries, Malik Abdul Rehman Naqaash is carrying forward the legacy of his forefathers passionately and is one of the best in this art.

Creating camel skin lamp shades using a mix of watercolors and oil paints was a fun and creative journey for me. I wanted to show respect for Multan's rich heritage through the traditional art of Naqaashi.

With the help of Abdur Rehman Naqaash, who is an expert in this art, I started working on these lamp shades. I decided to use watercolors first because they are great for soft and transparent colors. This helped me create the initial designs and colors.

But to add more details and make the designs pop, I used oil paints. Oil paints are good for making colors look rich and vivid. They helped me add depth and texture to my designs, making them more interesting and beautiful.

This whole experience was not just about painting; it was about mixing old and new techniques. I wanted to make sure that Multan's culture and traditions were part of my artwork.

In the end, the lamp shades I created were like stories that celebrated Multan's beauty and traditions. This was a special and meaningful journey for me as an artist, and it showed how you can blend tradition with modern ideas to create something truly unique.