These Local artisans are keeping Chinese 'Lacquer art' alive

PESHAWAR-The people of Pakistan can take pride in the rich and varied cultural tradition that they have inherited, not the least being a glittering array of crafts. Our crafts emerge from the area's long history of ancient civilizations, as a dimension of regional cultures and as an intrinsic part of a complex ritual of life.

Every province is known for its traditions and customs. Civilisations have come and gone, but the craftsperson has survived, not merely by the ability to adapt to social change, but by maintaining an integral place in the community.



'Lacquer Art' is one of the known art of Northern regions of Pakistan. This artwork is defined as the decoration of different wooden pieces and making of beautiful designs on the  objects like candy jar, table lamp, Jewell box and decoration pieces. Lacquer work has always been famous and recognized in the history of Indo-Pak sub-continent is well known in this art. It was originated in China over two thousand years ago and in later centuries spread through Asia.



Lacquer has long been considered the domain of artisans from DI Khan. With a history spanning several centuries, lacquer has become synonymous with the city’s artistic prowess. There are now only a few families left who possess the necessary expertise to keep the craft alive.

The lacquer art made on selected customized pieces of a refined rose wood (shesham )the wooden pieces are shaped into different designs and sizes on lathe machine through traditional iron tools the wooden piece polished and then painted with lacquer in layers of different colors usually in three or four colors the layers are sequentially coated completely on each other, blue color is used first then yellow color is coated on blue and lastly the red color which can be seen on the wooden piece is red which is articulately removed by artisan in a way that the second coated color is yellow become prominent with a design on it.



This skillful art requires lots of practice, patience and time. that is why Lacquer wood art is fascinating, the artist applies several coats and colors of paints then artist takes his knife and with a surgeons precision “etch” out a colorful pattern. In general sense, lacquer is a somewhat imprecise term for a clear or colored wood finished that directs solvent evaporation. It is also often a curing process as well that produces a hard durable finish. Artist and artisans sell their intricate and wonderful lacquer art pieces at a very reasonable price.



The tourists visiting northern areas of Pakistan should buy these art pieces as and one cannot miss going at the lacquer art stall .one simply gets amazed to see the commitment and attention of artisans will decorating the wooden pieces with lacquer art. Presently,  Only a handful of artisans are able to achieve this level of intricacy, making them a specialty.