MCCI launches website on Multani handcrafts

MULTAN: Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has launched a website on "Naqashi" in a colourful ceremony to introduce the Naqashi, products of camel skin and blue pottery internationally.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony MCCI President Shahid Naseem Khokhar said that from the mysterious buildings of world, one is Taj Mahal (Agra) which was decorated by the Mutani Naqashs, who were especially called for this purpose. Their supreme work of Naqashi is still there with its full grandeur and gravity and affects the observers. He said that the distinctive art of Multan which is a living proof of our ancient ties with Turkish and Persian cultures was not being introduced internationally nor were the skilled people encouraged in past.

Elaborating the history, the MCCI President said that the use of blue glaze on pottery made from Multani earth or fuller's earth is an imported technique first developed by Mongol artisans who combined Chinese glazing technique with Persian decorative art. Later Mughals used this art in mimic.

For kashikari (naqashi on glazed tiles) and blue pottery are two beautiful techniques for which Multan is famous world over. The use of foliage branches and leaves of trees, the superb colors mainly blue are evidence of Persian influence. Over a period of time Multani naqashi work has developed its own unique style. Now a days naqashi on camel skin products is also very much in demand. He added that earlier this art was used only to make tiles for decorating mosques, tombs and palaces in central Asia. The association of religion has giventhe art of naqashi a deeper significance and dimension. Shah Rukan-e-Alam shrine has one of the biggest domes in Asia.

The shrine of Shams-e-Tabraiz is built almost entirely of sky-blue engraved and glazed bricks. Exterior of mausoleum is decorated with glazed green square tiles and lime plaster. The origin of artisan's families dates back this craft to the time of successful Muslim excursions into Indus basin led by Muhammad bin Qasim. Royal patronage, lucrative business and attraction of living the most beautiful of Indian cities led many artisans and craftsmen to make Multan their permanent home. MCCI President said that this mausoleum has been admired by R.E.M wheeler as "one of the most splendid memorials ever erected in honor of dead."

The shrine of Sheikh Yusuf Gardez is master piece of Multani style. (rectangular tomb with flat roof , fully covered with glazed tiles in geometrical pattern). A panel decorating the face of the eastern entrance of the tomb of Baha-ud-din Zakria may be taken as the earliest known specimen on the soil of Pakistan for kashikari. Most of the monuments of Multani style, mosques, tombs and even secular buildings are decorated with enameled tile work in various vivid and attractive designs.