Blue Pottery: A Timeless Craft Facing Modern Challenges

M Atif Ismail

Multan: Despite its centuries-old roots and global recognition, Multan’s famed blue pottery and Kashigari (designing) profession are under significant threat due to rising costs, a lack of finances, and diminishing skilled labor.

Efforts to preserve this unique art form by a handful of artisans and government institutions are at risk, as the craft faces challenges in maintaining its traditional allure amidst economic pressures.

Originating from China, the blue pottery tradition was brought to the subcontinent through Iran, reaching South Punjab, particularly Multan, with the arrival of Arabs in the 8th century.

The word Kashigari, derived from the Iranian city of Koshan and the Chinese city of Kashgar, became synonymous with the intricate pottery designs that soon became a hallmark of Multan’s cultural identity.

Over the years, the craft was passed down through generations, but the rise of other professions has led many heirs to abandon the family trade.

Muhammad Imran, a master Kashigar, described the art of blue pottery as a painstaking process requiring immense skill. “Manufacturing these pots is no easy task. It involves multiple stages from body formation to the delicate art of glazing and firing at temperatures as high as 1200°C,” he explained.

While the process is labor-intensive, artisans like Imran believe that with proper marketing, the pottery could generate significant income through export.

However, installing a new unit for blue pottery production requires substantial investment, with costs starting at Rs. 5 million.

Despite the challenges, the blue pottery sector remains an integral part of Multan’s culture, with artisans still creating beautiful pieces featuring motifs inspired by Persian and Turkic calligraphy and miniatures, often found in the region’s Sufi mausoleums.

Artisan Allah Rakha, who has been involved in the craft for years, shared his concerns about the increasing costs of electricity and gas, which are essential to the production process. “The cost of utilities is unbearable and affects our profit margins.

This sector could thrive more if the government provides incentives,” he said. Rakha also highlighted issues with customs authorities, who sometimes mishandle shipments, leading to damaged pottery and further complications in the export process.

Despite these hurdles, Multan’s blue pottery has gained international recognition. Collectors and enthusiasts from around the world value the unique craftsmanship, and the demand continues to rise.

However, the changing economic landscape and modernization threaten the survival of this ancient art form. The Institute of Blue Pottery Development (IBPD) in Multan is playing a vital role in preserving and promoting the craft, offering training and research initiatives to help local artisans thrive.

Asad Khan, Manager at IBPD, emphasized the institute’s commitment to safeguarding the art form. “We provide training to students, assist local manufacturing units with common facilities, and develop modern designs that still reflect our cultural heritage,” he explained.

The institute also plays a pivotal role in sourcing raw materials, such as clay from Tharparkar, Swat, and Quetta, and creating a range of pottery articles, from dinner sets to planters, which are increasingly popular among the elite and international buyers.

Since its establishment in 2006, IBPD has trained hundreds of students in various techniques, from Kashigari to mold-making, and offers scholarships in collaboration with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA).

With 100 students currently enrolled in courses related to ceramics, calligraphy, and design, the institute continues to foster the next generation of artisans.

“Many university students also learn Kashigari here, and we offer internship opportunities as well,” said Naveed Jameel, Deputy Manager at IBPD. “Ambassadors from different countries visit us, showing a keen interest in our blue pottery.”

Given its potential for growth both domestically and internationally, it is crucial that government departments and institutions continue to support this vital sector. By promoting blue pottery, they can help ensure artisans earn a respectable livelihood and bring much-needed foreign exchange into the national economy through expanded export markets.

The survival of Multan’s blue pottery and Kashigari profession depends on preserving its heritage while adapting to modern demands. If nurtured properly, this art form could flourish for generations to come, securing its place as a symbol of South Punjab’s rich cultural legacy.

The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024. 

All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.