Traditional art: The changing face of interior and architectural design

Several artists and collectors have displayed old furniture and art.

LAHORE: An exhibition of antiques, hand-knotted Azeri carpets, ceramic panels, old furniture and glass sculptures opened at the Nairang Art Gallery on Monday evening.

The exhibition brought together artisans and antiques collectors who have contributed to the changing face of interior and architectural design across Pakistan in the last few decades, said Aftab Ahmad, the gallery manager.

Omer Hayat Butt, who is displaying old pinewood jharokas and furniture, said he had been visiting old havelis and mansions under demolition for 20 years to collect carved wood doors, windows and panels.

He said very few people used to be interested in purchasing or using old furniture. “But things have begun to change,” he said.

Butt has previously designed jharokas for Islamabad’s Serena Hotel and Lahore’s Cuckoo’s Den. Architects and interior designers have made these pieces relevant again, said Butt, whose family is in the wood carving and furniture business.

Ghulam Hussain, an antiques collector, contributed a gramophone, a clock and a lamp from the late 19th century for the exhibit.

Ceramic artist Michu Salahud Din displayed ceramic terracotta partitioning (mostly used in lawns and gardens) and terracotta plant pots. Din, who has been participating in various exhibits and at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts for the last 25 years, said his works were not for sale.



“More exhibitions with focus on traditional terracotta works should be held,” said Din, who has also designed the terracotta lattices for the Liberty Roundabout.

Seven glass structures by artist Saiful Haq were also on display.

Aftab Ahmed said seven handmade woollen Azeri rugs had been acquired to complete the display. The prices for the antiques and interior decor items ranged between Rs600 and Rs75,000.

The pieces will be on display until March 31.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2013.