Changing times: The art of lacquer attracts few takers

Samiullah Awan in DI Khan continues to keep the technique alive

PESHAWAR:

Lacquer has long been considered the domain of artisans from DI Khan. With a history spanning several centuries, lacquer has become synonymous with the city’s artistic prowess. There are now only a few families left who possess the necessary expertise to keep the craft alive.  

Samiullah Awan belongs to a family which has done intricate lacquer work for many years. Some decades ago, the family of artisans opened a workshop in DI Khan where Awan works with 10 members of his family. They create the product from scratch, till the last brush of lacquer has dried.

“I have been working with this medium for 15 years now,” he said, speaking to The Express Tribune while he was visiting the city. “Lacquer painting has a long history in our province,” he said. “Artisans in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have adorned sheesham wood with this paint for many years.”

According to Awan, the craft requires commitment and attention to detail. Only a handful of artisans are able to achieve this level of intricacy, making them a rarity.

A walk down memory lane

“The art originates from the Mughal era,” the artisan said. According to Awan, a majority of Mughal ruler patronized lacquer painters and ensured they were actively promoted.

“During my forefathers’ time, our workshop was extremely popular,” he said. “Our family never missed a single opportunity to showcase our talent to the world.”

However, Awan believes the number of lacquer artisans in the province have dwindled to the extent that you can count them on your fingertips. The dwindling demand for their products has discouraged many from pursuing the craft.

Stages of production

Awan is a strong proponent of the view that all art is produced in stages.

Lacquer has long been the domain of artisans from DI Khan. PHOTOS: HIDAYAT KHAN/EXPRESS

“At first, you need to select a fine piece of sheesham wood,” he said. “The pieces are then moulded into various shapes with the help of a lathe (a machine tool).”

Once this stage is complete, Awan applies different layers of lacquer.

“We then etch the surface and create various patterns and designs with a sharp knife and other iron instruments,” he said. “The surface must be polished.”

According to Awan, most artisans do not consider the product complete till they are satisfied with the finish. “This is a very cumbersome process which takes a lot of time,” he said. “Artists have to be deft.”

A dying art

The artisan works with table lamps, tissue boxes, jewellery boxes and various decoration pieces.

“I have always tried to depict DI Khan’s culture through my work,” he added.

At his workshop, Awan sells pieces priced between Rs3,000 and Rs30,000.

Though a tad expensive, his products remain popular in a niche market.  “These products are mostly used as decoration pieces,” he said.

Awan emphasised the need to give lacquer painting and lacquered products a new lease on life.

“The craft represents the culture of DI Khan and the province,” he said. “We must train new people so they can carry forward these skills and preserve our cultural legacy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2015.