Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Crafts & handicrafts of Pakistan

Crafts & handicrafts of PakistanHandicrafts reflect the culture, tradition and aesthetics of the artisans who create them. It draws a line between a thing that is skillfully hand made to what is mass produced, and therefore grabs the attention to the skill and endeavors of the craftsman him/herself. The actual beauty of a piece of handicrafts certainly depends on the transparency of material, the glimpses of a culture and touch of art. Pakistan has a rich history of handicrafts. The entire wealth of timeless Pakistani handicrafts has survived through ages. The legacy of Pakistani culture promises everything- beauty, dignity, form and style.These handicrafts radiate an aura of glory, exhibit hereditary skills and show painstaking craftsmanship.

Brass, Onyx & Wood Crafts

The Handicrafts manifested through Brass, onyx and wood, are known to maintain a proud tradition of handicrafts since 1994 in Pakistan and truly signifying the worth of the products. The art of carving on Metal & Wood items are the real beauties of our hard working Craftsmen. These items are manufactured in small villages by diligent craftsman, and can easily be purchased in big cities. Such crafts include, metal lanterns, mirror frames, decoration pieces and more.

Carpets & Textile

Pakistan has tradition of carpet-making going back thousands of years. Weaving was a developed form of art in the Mohenjodaro in Sind 4000-5000 year ago. The handmade carpets produced in Lahore in the 16th Century are on display in museums in Lahore and elsewhere. Knotted woolen carpets with Islamic designs are part of the culture in both South Asia and the Middle East. In Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore are important centers for the production of fine carpets. Textiles such as bedspreads and shawls are popular, and the Sindh and Baloch people are known for their mirror embroidery, where small mirrors are stitched into the fabric to create glittery masterpieces.

Pottery

PotteryThe potter at his wheel is a common sight in every village, uninfluenced by modern glamour. Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Gujrat and places around also produce colorful pottery, painted after firing. The blue glazed pottery of Multan dates back to the 13th century with obvious traces for woodwork. Chiniot is also known for brass and iron inlay. Copper and brass work is done within the walled city of Lahore.

Ceramics and glazed pottery are among the oldest art forms in Pakistan, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2500 B.C.E.). The most popular techniques used include engraving intricate designs into the undercoating of the pottery and then glazing it with colored transparent glazes. Another popular technique is to apply blue designs over white glazes. Pakistani potters are responsible for making the elaborate tiles that decorate mosques and public buildings.

Furniture

Pakistani furniture is known all over the world for its beautiful and intricate designs and the mastery of its craftsman. One of the fine longitudinal cross grains solid wood is known as Rosewood. It is available in the form of dense jungles in northern areas of Pakistan. The age of those trees are approximate 60 - 100 Years. In Asia this wood is only available in Pakistan, although there are much fine RoseWood (timber) available in the world but one can not find solid cross grains which appears on the wood in a brilliant stroke. In local language people calls it ”SHESHAM”. It is also available along the lakes and rivers in Punjab province of Pakistan. Such furniture is famous all over the world for its distinctiveness and beauty.

Jewelry & Leather goods

Metalwork, including inlaid or engraved swords, boxes, dishes, and tea sets made from silver and gold, as well as jewelry with precious stones and pearls, are important crafts. Jewelry is not limited to necklaces, bracelets, rings but also includes hair and forehead decorations and nose ornaments. Leatherwork and basketry are also important crafts. Sindh baskets are colorful and intricate, while weavers in the Northwest Frontier prefer geometric patterns.
Multani Art & Craft Guide

There are 18 different Craftsmen & Women in the market. Now let us get some information about their art or Craft Entering the hall, there is a shop of Multani Embroidery where Rasheeda Begum is present her family has been associated with the embroidery of Multan for three generation. Women in this part have been making a special form of embroidery called "Multani Embroidery" Since ancient times. Women do this work with hand and needle. This work is the cultural identity of Multan.Rasheeda Begum Has won many Lok varsa awards. Next is the shop of "Crochet" where Fatima Bibi is present.
In the ancient (old) history of Multan crochet work has been used for its beauty & decoration for centuries. In the beginning animal wool was used for this purpose. But now bed sheet, cushions & chadars are make of crochet for which thread & wool is used. Fatima Bibi has also inherited this craft & has been doing this work for 30 years. Her daughter have also been helping her in this work.

Next is "Okre Maker" Haq Nawaz. This work has been going on since ancient times. It is an old craft of design making on " Khussa". Now a day this art is used in "calligraphy". Haq Nawaz has been associated with this craft for 30 Years and he has learned this art from " Ustad Naiz Ahmed Bhatti". He has won Lok Varsa, Multan Art Council and National craft council awards.

Next is the carpet maker expert Shaukat Pervaiz where a servant is busy working on a hand loom. Shaukat Pervaiz told us that he has been associated with this art for 60Years and their ancestors have been doing this work for centuries. The art of carpet making is the identity of Iranian & Afghan Culture. Multan has always been a great passage. Therefore this craft has take up local impressions 7 so got into the new, present shape. Shaukat Pervaiz told us that the carpets made by hand are sold quite expensively and I often say that it is prepared by extremely poor men and bought by extremely rich. In Multan, carpet up to 2000 Sq. Foot is prepared by hand.

Next is the shop of Glittering Laces called "Gota Kinari', where we found Tehmina Rafique. She has also inherited this art and taught more than 1000 girls students. this work is done by the fine thread of gold or silver. Multan is famous for it and this art has flourished a lot.

Next is the shop of "Multani Khussa", where Ustad Allah Buksh is busy in making Khussas. The craft made of leather for wearing is a part of great culture. It is said that this art came into existence after the invasuin of Alexander the great. So in the same respect, the history of Multani Khussa is very old in which the goat skin is used. Ustad Allah Baksh told us that his ancestors have been associated with this craft for seven generations and he is making these Khussas for 80 Years.

Next is Muhammad Zubair who is associated with the art of jewelry making. For centuries this art has continued in Multan, Muhammad Zubair has also inherited this art & his family has been in jewelry making for four generations. He has also written more than 50 books on the designing of jewelry. He learnt this art from his father Muhammad Shafi.

Next we found the shop of "Zar Dozi" where Khalil Ahmed Sayal is present. He learnt this art from his father and his mother was also associated with it. There are many experts of Zar Dozi in Multan. He has been representing Multan in " Lok Varsa" Since 1985.

Next is Ustad Abdul Rasheed who is into the craft. Where things out of ivory & camel bone are prepared In Multan and especially desert regions women wear jewelry of these. In addition to jewelry, table lamp, lockets & other things are also made. Ustad Abdul Rasheed told us that at first work was done on ivory but now it is done on camel's bones. He has been in this business for 8 Years.

Next is the Presidential Award winner impressionist Malik Ashiq & Son Abdul Rehman. This art has been in this region for centuries. In 1910 Ustad Abdullah Naqaash introduced the Islamic touch to this art by making lamps of camel's skin. In Agra, India, the " Naqaash" of this family are still working. A hall in Serena Hotel Faisalabad has been named after his father and is declared the best hall of Asia.

Then we have the expert of "Kaashi" Muhammad Wajid who also inherited this craft. This craft came to the sub-continent from Iran and Middle East. Muhammad Wajid told us that in 1986, his father Allah Divaya got the Agha Khan Award for his work. he also worked at the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Multan is Famous for the work of blue, turquoise tiles. He also worked on Bhong Mosque. He also got Lok Varsa & art Council Award.

Then there is the expert of pottery making Ustad Ibrahim. pottery making is an old craft that has continued for generations in their family. He told us that he has been doing this since the age of ten years.

Next is the expert Ustad Ajmal Chistti of Glass-Work. Its is an old tradition, Pieces of Glass are joined to from a specific design on different buildings and for designing utensils or pottery. He has been in this profession for 32 Years and kearnt it from Ustad Shaukat Hussain. he had also worked in Afghanistan & Japan and won many awards.

Then there is Muhammad Arshad "Pattoli Maker" Gold jewelry is made more beautiful with beads & wires and thread. He is engaged in this work for 32 years.

Next is the famous Painter,Artist and Calligrapher Ali Ijaz Nazami. Now he is working on this which has a modern touch to it. He has also won numerous awards. Then we have printer Waheed who makes print on women clothes, these are mad e of special wood. He has been in this field for 3 generations. Then there are carving expert Muhammad Zaman Qamar," Chitr Kari" is done on gold, Silver & Copper. He told us that 99 names of Allah Almighty are written on a ring that is about the size of a pin. He also won many awards.

The craft men of Pakistan's first ever Craft Bazaar are quite happy for they have got a place where the people who appreciate or love their work can visit them but they hare demanding from the Government of Pakistan that they should loan on simple conditions so that this art progresses by keeps & bounds. The Craft Bazaar Multan Pakistan is the only Bazaar or market where the facilities are provided for the crafts men to express their art and skill. We hope that in the same way, in other national cities, Craft Bazaar for crafts men are built to keep the arts & crafts alive & to let them prosper.
HISTORICAL, CULTURAL BACKGROUND & GEOGRAPHY OF SINDH - CULTURE AND LITERATURE

Sindh is a repository of varied cultural values and has remained the seat of civilization and meeting point of diverse cultures from times immemorial. After Independence on August 14, 1947 with the influx of Muslims from India, its culture has progressively assumed a new complexion. Sindh’s cultural life has been shaped, to a large extent, by its comparative isolation in the past from the rest of the subcontinent. A long stretch of desert to its east and a mountainous terrain to the west served as barriers, while the Arabian Sea in the south and the Indus in the north prevented easy access. As a result, the people of Sindh developed their own exclusive artistic tradition. Their arts and craft, music and literature, games and sports have retained their original flavor. Sindh is rich in exquisite pottery, variegated glazed tiles, lacquer-work, leather and straw products, needlework, quilts, embroidery, hand print making and textile design. According to renowned European historian H.T. Sorelay, Sindhis had not only contributed to literature but also to astronomy, medicine, philosophy, dialectics and similar subjects.

Melas (fairs) and malakharas (wrestling festivals) are popular. Falconry, horse and camel breeding and racing are characteristic pastimes. Sindhi fishermen float earthen pots to catch the palla fish in the Indus, bullock cart racing and cockfighting are also typical of the province.

Genuine love for fellow beings, large heartedness and hospitality constitute the very spirit of Sindhi culture and it is the association of the cultural elements that elevate it and keep aloft its banner among the contemporary cultures of South-Asia. Having lived for centuries under the changing sway of various dynasties i.e. the Arabs, Mughals, Arghuns, Turkhans and Soomras, Sammahs, Kalhoras and Talpurs, Sindhi culture is a fusion of multiple culture patterns. These splendor and enrichment are reflected in Sindhi art and architecture, habits and customs. The old tombs and buildings in Thatta, Sehwan, Hyderabad, Sukkur and the excavations at Bhambore, Brahmanabad and Debal bear ample evidence in support of the above statement. These places fostered in their environment, some of the best cultural values which were handed down to the inhabitants of the adjoining areas. Today, these values form the very foundation of Sindhi culture.

The Sindhi language has pure Sanskrit basis and is closely related to the ancient Prakrit. Its alphabet contains fifty-two letters. The Rev. Mr.G. Shirt of Hyderabad, one of the first Sindhi scholars, considered that the language is probably, so far as its grammatical construction is concerned, the purest daughter of Sanskrit. It has small sprinkling of Dravidian words, and has in later times received large accessions to its vocabulary from Arabic and Persian. After the advent of Islam, a number of Sindhi scholars not only wrote books in Arabic on various aspects of Islam, but also composed poetry of a high order in that language. During the rule of Soomras and Sammas, Sindhis produced excellent poetry, and amongst the earliest and best-known poets we find the name of Syed Ali and Qazi Qadan both of Thatta and their younger contemporary, Shah Abdul Karim of Bulrhi, the great-grandfather of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.

Qazi Qadan (870-985 A.H.) introduced Philosophy into Sindhi poetry. He has in his poetry laid great emphasis on purity of mind and the study of the self. In one of his verses he says, "Even if you master thoroughly the great Arabic works Qudoori and Kafia you will only be like an ant sitting within a well in a limited environment knowing nothing of the world outside".

Then comes Shah Abdul Karim of Bulrhi. In 98 couplets he has explained the intricacies of human philosophy. In one of his couplets, he says "The best way of Living in the world is to give your heart to the beloved and be bodily connected with fellow human beings".

Shah Latif and his contemporaries, Shah Inayat, Muhammad Moeen Thattvi lsso Mian and Misri Shah, were also pioneers in the field of the well-known Sindhi Kafi Lyric. Others who contributed to kafi were Qasim, Hyder Shah, Fazil Shah, Pir Mohammad Ashraf, Assooran and Qaleech Beg. Misri Shah is considered to be the undisputed monarch in the domain of Kafi. The term Kafi was originally taken from Shah Abdul Latif's waie, which correspond to Ghazal. Sachal Sarmast added glory to Kafi in his lyrics.

POETRY

After the advent of Islam, a number of Sindhi scholars not only wrote books in Arabic on various aspects of Islam, but also composed poetry of high order in that languages. It is presumed that these scholars also wrote in their own language. During the rule of Sumras and Sammas, Sindhis produces excellent poetry, and amongst the earliest and best-known poets, we find the name of Syed Ali and Qazi Qadan both of Thatta and their younger contemporary, Shah Abdul Karim of Bulrhi, the great-grand father of Shah Abul Latif Bhitai.

Long before the British rule, under the influence of Persian poetry, the Sindhi poets borrowed many ideas from Persian poets. There were, however, some poets such as Mohammad Qasim, Murtaza Thattavi, Gul Mohammad Gul, Syed Gada, Hafiz Hamid, Mir Abdul Hussain Sangi, Zaman Shash and others who, in spite of having adopted Persian forms, derived their inspiration from the classical Sindhi poets. Theirs works have, therefore been popular among the masses, as well as people of more sophisticated tastes. Others, who continued to compose in indigenous styles, using the Sindhi language in its purest from, include Misree Shah, Mahdi Shah, and Hafiz Shah. Sahibdion Shah, Wali Mohammad Leghari and Hammal Faqir.

Qazi Qadan (870-985 A.H.) of Sehwan was the Sindhi poet who introduced philosophy and mysticism into Sindhi poetry. He has in his poetry laid prate emphasis on purity of mind and the study of self. In one of his verses he says: " Even if you master thoroughly the great Arabic works Qudoor and Qafa you will only be like an ant sitting within a well in a limited environment, knowing nothing of the world outside.

Kafi the Shah and his contemporaries, Shah Inayat, Muhammad Moeen Thattvi, Isso Mian and Misri Shah, were also pioneers in the field of the well-known Sindhi Kafi Lyric. Others who contribute to Kafi were Qasim, Hyder Shah, Fazil Shah, Pir Mohammad Ashraf, Assooram and Qaleech Beg. Misri Shah is considered to the undisputed monarch in the domain of Kafi. The term Kafi was originally taken from Shah Abdul Latif's waie, which corresponds to ghazal. Sachal added glory to kafi in his lyrics. After Khalifo Gul Mohammad a host Sindhi poets contributed to the development of the ghazal. The following poets deserve special mention: Qasim Shamsuddin Bulbul, Mir Abdul Hussain Saangi, Bewas Lekhraj Kishanchand Aziz, Zia Fani, Farid, Fakir Abdul Rahim of Groroh and Hafiz Mohammad Hayat.

Humour Shamsuddin Bulbul was the first poet to introduce humor in Sindhi poetry. He can very well be compared to Akbar Allahabadi.

In this field Mohammad Hashim Mukhlis and more particularly Mirza Qaleech Beg, the father of modern Sindhi poetry and prose have left an indelible mark. The latter’s humor is much more polished and constructive. " Saudai Khan" is a modest collection of his poetry dealing wit the experiences of life and the ravages of time. The book is in two volumes, and each column consists of homage paid to his ancestors and guide. He composed only 14 ghazals in Urdu.

SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITAI

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (1689-1752) perfected Sindhi poetry both in from and in content and is reckoned as the peerless master of Sindhi verses. The most salient feature of his poetry is Sufism, which he had presented with dexterity in his famous work, Shah Jo Risalo. The main characteristics of Shah Leif's poetry is that it is a ‘remarkable record of God-intoxicated man’s longing to rise above his level of life in order to meet his Maker". He had a command to express and interpret the joys and sorrows, hopes and aspirations of the people of Sindh. Shah Latif's poetry depicts nature and its manifestations in a most vivid and vivacious manner. He had composed beautiful verses on the river Indus, the shining surface of lakes and the barren ranges of hills. He had also versified on the behavior of the sea and the boats and boatsmen living on the shore of the sea. He was the most prolific writer and poet of his age. His poetry is deeply rooted in the soil of Sindh, yet it has a universal appeal.

So great is the impact of his immortal work on Sindhi literature that one hears its distinct echo in all the poetry produced by later generations. From the time of shah Latif to the British conquest of Sindh, there were a large number of Sindhi poets, such as Mohammad Zaman of Luwar, Abdul Grohari, Sachal Sarmast, Bedil, Bekas, Sami, Pir Ali Gohar Asghar (Pir Pagaro), Roohal Faqir, Pir Asghar Ali, Pir Ghulam Shah Rashidi and Sabit Ali Shah Sabit, whose works a still to be found. During the days of the Sumras, the Sammas and later on during the Kalhora and the Talpur period, Sindh was the court languag.

SACHAL SARMAST

Sachal Sarmast (Abdul Wahab) is another Sufi poet of distinction who composed verses on philosophy and Sufism. He was at home in a number of languages and composed poetical pieces in Arabic, Sindhi, Saraiki or Multani, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Persian. His poetry is replete with Divine Love. It is on Monotheism, the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon him). He also composed poems of high order in Urdu and Persian. The great Sufi poets-Attar, Jami and Roomi influenced him.

Hiis Sindhi poetry encompasses a wide range of subjects and possesses its own individuality. He perfected a great deal of old style i.e. Abyat and Dohas greatly in vogue before hi, While Shah Latif enhanced the standard of Sindhi to the highest level of excellence in style, diction and subject matter, Sachal Sarmast took the lead in raising the standard and level of kafi, ghazal and marsia in /Sindhi poetry. Unlike Shah Latif, whose compositions are woven around local and folk themes, Sachal has touched on all Great Sufi saints, fountains of knowledge and learning, besides the most popular folktales of the Indus valley. The images, similes, metaphors and allegories employed by Sachal give him a prominent place in Sindhi literature after Shah Latif.

It was in the British period that really good prose began to be produced. Syed Miran Mohammad Shah-I of Tikhar, Diwan Kewal Ram, Ghulam Hussain and Akhund Latifullah are among the early prose writers. But Shamsul Ulema Mirza Qaleech Beg can rightly be called the father of modern Sindhi prose. He is said to have written or translated from other languages about 400 books of poetry, novel short stories, essays etc.

"Diwan-e-Qaleech" is a collection in alphabetical order of his poetry in Sindhi. In contains about 433 verses. Another work of importance is his translation of Rubaiyat-e-Omar Khayyam in which he has followed the same meter as employed in the original Persian work. This translation has filled an important gap in Sindhi literature.

Music the patronage of music in Sindh started wit the advent of Muslims. In 72AD; when the famous Arab General Muhammad Bin Qasim was engaged in his conquest of Sindh, the Sammas of Central Sindh gave him a rousing reception. Headed by musicians, playing the Dhol-and-Shahnai, "Orchestra", and skilled dancers giving their performances, they came to greet Muhammad Bin Qasim, who echoed the whole show. The grandeur of the musical performance and the big crowd impressed a lieutenant of Muhammad to such an extent that he suggested to the General that their army should pray to God that such a powerful tribe had been subjugated so easily. Muhammad who had a good sense of humor". The Dhol-and-Shahnai performance whish has been the traditional " Orchestra" of Sindh, before and since 8th century AD. Is most popular throughout the province even today.

Interest in the classical ‘Hindustani’ as well as the indigenous music in Sindh reached its height in 16th century during the reign of the Turkhan rulers, Mirza Jani Beg and his son Mirza Ghazi Beg. Both the father and the son were great patrons of poets like the famous Talib Amuli and others, and of numerous musicians who invented new musical forms, naghams, and a variety of tunes. Both the rulers were accomplished musicians themselves. Their capital Thatta was the rendezvous

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Art & Craft

Multani Art & Craft Guide

There are 18 different Craftsmen & Women in the market. Now let us get some information about their art or Craft Entering the hall, there is a shop of Multani Embroidery where Rasheeda Begum is present her family has been associated with the embroidery of Multan for three generation. Women in this part have been making a special form of embroidery called "Multani Embroidery" Since ancient times. Women do this work with hand and needle. This work is the cultural identity of Multan.Rasheeda Begum Has won many Lok varsa awards. Next is the shop of "Crochet" where Fatima Bibi is present. In the ancient (old) history of Multan crochet work has been used for its beauty & decoration for centuries. In the beginning animal wool was used for this purpose. But now bed sheet, cushions & chadars are make of crochet for which thread & wool is used. Fatima Bibi has also inherited this craft & has been doing this work for 30 years. Her daughter have also been helping her in this work.
Next is "Okre Maker" Haq Nawaz. This work has been going on since ancient times. It is an old craft of design making on " Khussa". Now a day this art is used in "calligraphy". Haq Nawaz has been associated with this craft for 30 Years and he has learned this art from " Ustad Naiz Ahmed Bhatti". He has won Lok Varsa, Multan Art Council and National craft council awards.
Next is the carpet maker expert Shaukat Pervaiz where a servant is busy working on a hand loom. Shaukat Pervaiz told us that he has been associated with this art for 60Years and their ancestors have been doing this work for centuries. The art of carpet making is the identity of Iranian & Afghan Culture. Multan has always been a great passage. Therefore this craft has take up local impressions 7 so got into the new, present shape. Shaukat Pervaiz told us that the carpets made by hand are sold quite expensively and I often say that it is prepared by extremely poor men and bought by extremely rich. In Multan, carpet up to 2000 Sq. Foot is prepared by hand.
Next is the shop of Glittering Laces called "Gota Kinari', where we found Tehmina Rafique. She has also inherited this art and taught more than 1000 girls students. this work is done by the fine thread of gold or silver. Multan is famous for it and this art has flourished a lot.
Next is the shop of "Multani Khussa", where Ustad Allah Buksh is busy in making Khussas. The craft made of leather for wearing is a part of great culture. It is said that this art came into existence after the invasuin of Alexander the great. So in the same respect, the history of Multani Khussa is very old in which the goat skin is used. Ustad Allah Baksh told us that his ancestors have been associated with this craft for seven generations and he is making these Khussas for 80 Years.
Next is Muhammad Zubair who is associated with the art of jewelry making. For centuries this art has continued in Multan, Muhammad Zubair has also inherited this art & his family has been in jewelry making for four generations. He has also written more than 50 books on the designing of jewelry. He learnt this art from his father Muhammad Shafi.
Next we found the shop of "Zar Dozi" where Khalil Ahmed Sayal is present. He learnt this art from his father and his mother was also associated with it. There are many experts of Zar Dozi in Multan. He has been representing Multan in " Lok Varsa" Since 1985.
Next is Ustad Abdul Rasheed who is into the craft. Where things out of ivory & camel bone are prepared In Multan and especially desert regions women wear jewelry of these. In addition to jewelry, table lamp, lockets & other things are also made. Ustad Abdul Rasheed told us that at first work was done on ivory but now it is done on camel's bones. He has been in this business for 8 Years.
Next is the Presidential Award winner impressionist Malik Ashiq & Son Abdul Rehman. This art has been in this region for centuries. In 1910 Ustad Abdullah Naqaash introduced the Islamic touch to this art by making lamps of camel's skin. In Agra, India, the " Naqaash" of this family are still working. A hall in Serena Hotel Faisalabad has been named after his father and is declared the best hall of Asia.
Then we have the expert of "Kaashi" Muhammad Wajid who also inherited this craft. This craft came to the sub-continent from Iran and Middle East. Muhammad Wajid told us that in 1986, his father Allah Divaya got the Agha Khan Award for his work. he also worked at the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Multan is Famous for the work of blue, turquoise tiles. He also worked on Bhong Mosque. He also got Lok Varsa & art Council Award.
Then there is the expert of pottery making Ustad Ibrahim. pottery making is an old craft that has continued for generations in their family. He told us that he has been doing this since the age of ten years.
Next is the expert Ustad Ajmal Chistti of Glass-Work. Its is an old tradition, Pieces of Glass are joined to from a specific design on different buildings and for designing utensils or pottery. He has been in this profession for 32 Years and kearnt it from Ustad Shaukat Hussain. he had also worked in Afghanistan & Japan and won many awards.
Then there is Muhammad Arshad "Pattoli Maker" Gold jewelry is made more beautiful with beads & wires and thread. He is engaged in this work for 32 years.
Next is the famous Painter,Artist and Calligrapher Ali Ijaz Nazami. Now he is working on this which has a modern touch to it. He has also won numerous awards. Then we have printer Waheed who makes print on women clothes, these are mad e of special wood. He has been in this field for 3 generations. Then there are carving expert Muhammad Zaman Qamar," Chitr Kari" is done on gold, Silver & Copper. He told us that 99 names of Allah Almighty are written on a ring that is about the size of a pin. He also won many awards.
The craft men of Pakistan's first ever Craft Bazaar are quite happy for they have got a place where the people who appreciate or love their work can visit them but they hare demanding from the Government of Pakistan that they should loan on simple conditions so that this art progresses by keeps & bounds. The Craft Bazaar Multan Pakistan is the only Bazaar or market where the facilities are provided for the crafts men to express their art and skill. We hope that in the same way, in other national cities, Craft Bazaar for crafts men are built to keep the arts & crafts alive & to let them prosper.