MULTAN, Jul 6 : Once a source of attraction for every household, the beautiful and world-renowned art of Blue Pottery and Kashigari is facing extinction due to expensive tools, lack of funds and dearth of skilled artisans.<\/p>\n
Despite efforts by a few passionate craftsmen and some support from the government departments, this centuries-old tradition of decorative designs is slowly fading away.
\nKashigari, the detailed artwork done on pottery, is a skill deeply rooted in South Punjab, especially the city of saints, Multan. With its origin traced back to China from where it traveled to sub-continent through Iran. When the Arabs entered Sindh and Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered Multan in 712 A.D, he was accompanied by skilled \u201cKashi\u201d artists, who brought this delicate art to this region.
\nThe word \u201cKashigari\u201d itself is believed to come from \u201cKoshan,\u201d a well-known city in Iran, and \u201cKashgar,\u201d a city in China. Over the time, this art became widely admired and was passed down from one generation to the other.<\/p>\n
However, as this work requires expensive materials and great skill, many descendants of these artisan families have shifted to other professions. They find it hard to continue with such a demanding craft, especially without financial support.
\n\u201cMaking blue pottery is not an easy task. It needs proper training and dedication,\u201d said Allah Rakha, a master craftsman who has spent years in this field.
\nHe explained that many stages involved in forming the body, filtering, making clay slip, casting, kneading, shaping, trimming, joining, drying, smoothening, firing (biscuit stage), decorating (Kashi), cleaning, glazing and finally firing again required careful handling and expertise.
\nHe said the pots are fired at high temperature around 1200\u00b0C with heat is increased gradually to avoid cracks. \u201cWe make quality products and can earn well if proper export opportunities are available.\u201d
\nHe also informed, \u201cto start a new unit in this business is not easy. You need at least Rs five million to set it up.\u201d
\nBlue pottery also reflects the beauty of our Sufi heritage as seen on the shrines in Multan and Sindh, with patterns inspired by Persian and Turk calligraphy and miniature designs. Even though it remains admired for its artistic value despite numerous challenges faced by artisans like limited resources and rising costs.
\nEven then Allah Rakha sees great potential in this craft if the cost of raw material and energy is rationalized. \u201cThis art not just a source of earning but also reflect our culture across the world. But high utility bills are a challenge affecting production cost, shrinking profits shrink as well as exports.\u201d<\/p>\n
He urged the government to support this sector by offering relief in energy costs and helping with promotion and marketing. \u201cOnly then can this unique art form be preserved for future generations.\u201d
\nMultan\u2019s blue pottery is internationally recognized with collectors and enthusiasts across the world appreciating its beauty and craftsmanship. The demand for these pieces continued to grow during past decades, boosting the craft\u2019s global profile.
\nBut with modernization of society and changing traditions, this art gradually reached the verge of extinction. The Institute of Blue Pottery Development (IBPD) Multan was striving hard to keep this art alive and promoting cultural identity of the region.
\n\u201cOur institute provides training to students, offer common facility services to local blue pottery manufacturing units,\u201d informed Asad Khan, Manager IBPD. \u201cWe also conduct research, exploration of cheapest pottery raw material and develop suitable designs that depict our culture and history and meet modern day requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asad said the favorite color of these experts is blue. \u201cMultan has hundreds of shrines and other historic buildings and all these buildings contained three shades of the blue colour.\u201d
\nDeputy Manager, Naveed Jameel also informed that the Institute of Blue Pottery Development was preparing over 200 articles including complete range of dinner-set, water- set, tea-set, soup-set, show-pieces, planters and many other things.
\n\u201cIBPD purchases raw clay from Tharparkar, Swat and Quetta. Blue pots are much liked by people, especially elite class and foreigners,\u201d he said. \u201cSimilarly, blue pots are also favorite choice of big hotels and restaurants.\u201d
\nNaveed said, IBPD was doing its bit to promote blue pots and imparted training to hundreds of students. \u201cOur institute started classes in 2006. We educate different programs to students in line with the policy of Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) besides also offering them scholarships.\u201d
\nHe informed that presently 100 students are availing training facility in Kashigari, Mould making, Casting and Firing Techniques in Ceramics as the Institute is also working on Ceramics-I, Computer Graphics, Art and Designing Specialization in Kashigrai, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Auto CAD\/CCA courses.
\n\u201cA good number of university students also learn Kashigari at our Institute. We also provide students internship opportunity,\u201d he said.
\nSince this profession has potential to grow within the country and abroad, more measures like marketing and exports were essentially needed to facilitate artisans.
\nTherefore, the concerned departments must pay proper heed in its promotion to help earn artisans earn a respectable living as well as bring foreign exchange to national kitty by exploring export markets.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MULTAN, Jul 6 : Once a source of attraction for every household, the beautiful and world-renowned art of Blue Pottery and Kashigari is facing extinction due to expensive tools, lack of funds and dearth of skilled artisans. Despite efforts by a few passionate craftsmen and […]<\/p>\n
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