Stone carving: A glossy attempt to keep ancient art alive

Despite lack of patronage, stone carver innovates to keep the family tradition alive.

ISLAMABAD:

Carvings on the stones served as important sources of learning about life of the past. Unfortunely, it is this art that is now on its way to becoming a part of history.

With little support from the state, lack of patronage from art lovers, very few artisans are currently practicing the craft of stone carving. However, they are not giving up just yet. Among them is Muhammad Ilyas, a rural artisan from Sirikot in Hazara.

He has been carrying on the family tradition, under the tutelage of his father, Abdul Qayyum, who would chisel tombstones. “At the time, that’s the only thing people needed stone carving for,” he said.

Next they asked us to carve pillars for their homes, but even that went out of fashion, said the artisan. “I thought out-of-the-box and began a new trend by carving on stone to create art and household items.”

The artisan from Hazara, is currently showcasing his work at the Serena Bazaar Court. He etches verses of the Quran in stone and intricate geometric patterns that resemble mosaic tiles and even carves landscapes. His pieces are truly one of a kind. Some of the larger slabs are interesting shades of yellow, brown and rust. “I excavated the stone from Ganghar, a little-known hill located between Haripur and Ghazi,” he said.

“My father taught me to only use the finest stone as it brings out the carving best and also remains glossy for years,” stated Ilyas. For those looking for something special for their homes, Ilyas has fashioned assorted sets of trays and tables that are bound to be unique as each is hand-carved to perfection with a glossy finish.

“His work is amazing not just because of the craftsmanship but also because of the material used. Ilyas has taken great care to work only with the finest material which adds value to his work,” said director of Satrang Gallery, Asma Khan.

With all the time and painstaking labour spent in perfecting his craft, Ilyas seems disheartened by the lack of support for the art. “Even though this is our family occupation, my relatives now discourage newcomers from pursuing this work,” he said. I don’t have a shop so I depend on exhibitions to earn money. I have four children and all of them know this craft but they prefer not to work with me as it’s not very profitable,” Ilyas added.

The exhibition will continue till October 21.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2012.