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Pakistani Crafts

Pakistani crafts are a reflection of the traditions, cultures and artistic talent of the artisans who create the handicrafts. Each piece of craft is skillfully crafted to showcase the talents of the craftsmen. The beauty of a well crafted piece lies in the material used, attention to detail and the glimpse of culture woven into it. Pakistan has a rich history of craft making that has survived through the ages to demonstrate the form, style and beauty of each piece of craft.
  1. Carpets

    • Pakistan is one of the largest producers of hand woven Oriental carpets, the majority of which are exported. Weaving dates back to the Mohenjadaro civilization and Persian influences; some of the handmade carpets that were produced in Lahore in the 16th century are on display in museums in Pakistan. Lahore and Karachi are important carpet making centers in the country. There are two types of rugs made in Pakistan, the Mori and the Pakistani. The Mori reflects the style of the Turkish Bokhara and the Pakistani is mostly based on Persian styles like the Tabriz and the Kerman.

    Wood and Onyx Crafts

    • Pakistani wood and onyx crafts depict intricate carvings showing painstaking craftsmanship. Many Pakistani wood and onyx crafts are manufactured in small villages where the art is handed down from one generation to the next. The items are available in the big city stores where they are popular with tourists looking for souvenirs. Decorative wood works, mirror work, metal and onyx incense burners are the some of the items available.

    Pottery and Ceramic Crafts

    • Pottery and ceramic crafts from Pakistan include sculptures, planters, vases, dishes, plates and tea sets. A potter at his pottery wheel is a familiar sight in many of the Pakistani villages of Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi. Colorful pottery that is painted after the firing process is available for sale in various cities in Pakistan. The art of making ceramic and glazed pottery is an ancient one dating back centuries, probably to the Indus Valley Civilization. The application of blue designs over a white glaze and engraving intricate designs are the more common techniques employed by the potters.

    Furniture Making

    • Pakistan is famous for its furniture making craft and the rosewood available alongside rivers and lakes in the Punjab province is commonly used. The locals refer to the wood as "Shesham." The furniture styles put heavy emphasis on intricate carving and heaviness of the pieces. The furniture available includes all types of salon sets, bedroom sets, dining room sets, tables and well crafted swing sets. Elegance and style mark the craftsmanship of each piece of furniture.

Fine Art

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