Stonework: Italian intricacy, via Russia and Afghanistan

Mother-daughter duo gives presentation on pietra dura.

ISLAMABAD:

At first glance, they seem antique stones carved into fancy home accessories. But beneath the rich hue and veneer, the intricate puzzle-like structures bear a history of craftsmanship, skill and a painstaking occupation.

Entrepreneur Farhana and her daughter Mehrunissa Asad showcased their unique collection of the 16th century art form ‘pietra dura’ (hard stone in Italian) in a multimedia presentation and exhibition at Kuch Khaas on Tuesday.

Elaborating on the traditional technique, Farhana said she learnt it from Pashtun artisans and Afghan refugees some two decades back. The technique originated from Florence, travelled to Russia and trickled into northern Afghanistan.

“I still haven’t made my perfect piece yet,” she said, underscoring the attention to detail and precision the various stages of the technique involves. Her collection includes coasters, tiles, tabletops and coffee tables, most of which she stocks at her boutique “Lel” (mountain in Persian) in F-10/2.

Based in Islamabad, she manages an artistan-based workshop in Peshawar, where her team of workers utilise marble and semi-precious stones to produce intricate, mosaic works. Working towards the preservation and propagation of the art form, she is looking to recruit women in the workforce which only has local men so far.

To hire and sustain skilled craftsman is a challenge, given the arduous nature of the work from the rough cut to the final chisel, she said, adding that most find it difficult and run away after some days.

Mehrunissa, an architect by training, joined her mother’s practice some four years back. She reminisced about her mother working with the stones in their garage back in Peshawar, turning the passion into a flourishing business of an ancient technique.

Known as Parchin Kari in South Asia, the technique can be seen on the Taj Mahal and the tomb of Itimadud Daulah in Agra and the Sheesh Mahal and Jahangir’s tomb in Lahore.

The event was organised by the Asian Study Group’s arts and crafts club.

The duo will be exhibiting their products at the Index International Design exhibition in Dubai, this year. The event was organised in collaboration with the Asian Study Group’s arts and crafts club.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2014.