Cultural exchange: Iranian, Chinese, Turkish crafts, art on display

Cuisines from China, Iran also available for tasting at Lahore Arts Council.

LAHORE:

An exhibition featuring handicrafts from Pakistan, China, Iran and Turkey opened at the Lahore Art Council on Thursday.

The exhibition has been arranged by Global Cultural and Heritage Foundation, the Iranian Counsulate and the Punjab Tourism Department. It will run till November 11.

Marzia Rafaee and her husband Jawad Mohsini from Iran showcased handmade pottery. Earlier in the day, they also screened a documentary on pottery making using the meenkaraki technique.

Rafaee said their work had been appreciated by the art students visiting the LAC. She said the craft started in the Isfanhan district of Iran. She said she had set up a factory in Mashad.

Rafaee, visiting Pakistan for the first time, said she was overwhelmed by the friendly attitude of the people.

As many as 40 pictures show developments in Iran after the 1979 Islamic revolution. Around 50 pictures featuring various forms of Chinese art and photographs of cultural activities across China are also on display.

There is also Turkish and Chinese pottery. The Pakistan Tourism Department Corporation has provided pictures from across Northern Areas, particularly of wildlife and forests.

Traditional Iranian and Chinese dishes were available at two stalls.

Ali Rizvi, founder of Global Culture and Heritage Foundation and Communication Officer for the Iranian Consulate, said Chinese, Iranian and Pakistani films will be screened at 3pm during the four-day festival. Most of the exhibits are not for sale.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2012.