MULTAN- Pakistan is a land, full of culture and diversity. Exquisite blue pottery of Multan is popular all over the world for its elegant design, durability, and uniqueness. These are built with red and white clay. It is termed to be the oldest craft known by human beings. With the passage of time and advancement, there have been countless innovations in functionality and design of the art.
‘Kashikari’ is a centuries old art. It is a pre-defined color combination with different attractive trends of cobalt blue; white is used as an outer line or base of the design. To enhance the beauty and grace of potteries different colors are also used these days. This art is locally known as “Kashi work” also called Kashi Kari and the artisans are known as Kashikar.
The history of the Kashikari art lies in Turko-Persian era. But, today it is popular as the specialty of Multan city and the traditional Persians trends are now customized and adopted on customer’s demand. The fun of making blue glaze pottery traveled towards Multan some hundred years ago.
Multan is considered a hub of blue pottery and offers a variety of designs and patterns both in terms of use and value. Blue pottery these days is used in a variety of utilities including flower pots, lamp shades, vases, serving dishes, earthenware, dinner sets, pitchers, trays and soap dishes etc.
This craft is known across the world and is exported from Pakistan to different parts of the world. Kashikar put all their efforts and that is the reason that century’s old art is still alive and is making Pakistan proud on international forums.
Tourists visiting Multan and other nearby areas of Southern Punjab simply cannot miss the shops and stalls of ‘Kashikari’ art items. This Art of Pakistan is also a representation of the Muslim art and heritage. The colors of the mosaic converse virtually with the viewers.
