Capacity building: Lacquer artisans get training

Artisans specialising in lacquer were part of a series of training workshops that concluded here at Lok Virsa recently, said a press release. 

Prominent among them were Muhammad Umar and Waseem Shahzad who both hail from Sargodha.

Their work is currently on display at Lok Virsa.

The two artisans learnt the art of lacquer from their forefathers and dedicated a major part of their life in imparting training to the youngsters in this particular field.

Jundi ka Kaam, or lacquer work, forms an intrinsic part of Pakistani folk crafts, according to Lok Virsa’s executive director. The process involves applying layers of lac in different colours on wood, while the material is rotated on a simple wooden lathe machine.

Patterns are etched on the surface, exposing each colour according to the requirements of traditional patterns.

A variety of designs in monochromatic or contrast colour schemes may be achieved in lacquer work.

The decoration is generally geometric or stylized floral, often based on a geometric grid. The design consists of a grooved pattern of lines, circles and dots.

The established traditional artisans in lacquer art are based in Multan, Khushab, Dera Ghazi Khan, Chiniot and Silanwali, Dera Ismail Khan, Hala and Kashmore.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2012.