9 Most amazing handicrafts of Pakistan

Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage, and its handicrafts are a reflection of its diverse traditions, artistry, and skill. Pakistan is home to some of the most beautiful and intricate handicrafts in the world, which are a testament to the country’s artistic and cultural heritage. Pakistan has a recorded history that dates back thousands of years, which has given these craftsmen over centuries to refine their skills to perfection. These handicrafts are not only visually stunning but also serve as functional items that are used in daily routines and promote a soft image of Pakistan all over the world. In this digital age, the people of Pakistan in their individual capacity are trying to promote their crafts and are well received internationally by arts and crafts lovers around the globe.

In this article, we will explore the 9 most amazing handicrafts of Pakistan.

1. Handwoven rugs:

Pakistan is known for its handwoven rugs, which are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Pakistani rugs are highly valued for their quality and beauty and are considered some of the finest handmade rugs in the world. They are typically made using high-quality wool and feature intricate designs and patterns, often inspired by traditional motifs and symbols. Some of the most well-known types of Pakistani rugs include the Bokhara rug and the Chobi rug. Central Asian and Middle Eastern cultures have a lot of impact on the handwoven rugs art here because of the craftsmen that came with the rulers and decided to settle here. Pakistani rugs are often considered to be a blend of Turkish and Persian rugs. These rugs are easily available in physical shops as well as you can order online from any where in the world

2. Embroidered Textiles:

Embroidery is a common handicraft in Pakistan, and it is used to decorate textiles such as clothing, scarves, bedsheets, and home decor items. The embroidery is often done by hand using a variety of threads, beads, and sequins to create intricate designs and patterns. There are a lot of different and diverse embroidery designs and patterns but the most popular ones are Balochi embroidery/Doch, Ralli/ Zanjeeri tanka, Phulkari, Swati embroidery, Kashmiri embroidery, Sindhi embroidery are loved all over.

3. Leather Goods

Pakistan is also known for its leather goods, which are made using high-quality leather and traditional techniques. Leather goods such as shoes, bags, jackets, and belts are often decorated with lovely designs and patterns and they are highly sought after both in Pakistan and around the world.  A lot of clothing international brands source their leather products from Pakistan due to their finished product quality at the most competitive pricing. Pakistani leather products are sought after in different parts of Europe, the US, and Canada where the climate is generally cold.

4. Pottery:

Pottery is a popular handicraft in Pakistan, and it is used to make a variety of items such as bowls, plates, and vases. These products are made up using traditional techniques and then handpainted with intricate patterns that require a skill level of top-notch. Multan is famous for its artisans that make blue pottery, pottery that is handpainted with blue and white patterns.

5. Woodwork:

Woodwork is another popular handicraft in Pakistan, and it is used to make a variety of items such as furniture, wooden handicrafts, and home decor items. Cities like Chiniot, Gujarat, Gojra, Sillanwali, and Swat are famous for their woodwork both furniture and handicraft products. Pakistan is famous for traditional and classic designs of furniture as well as for wooden handicrafts. Nowadays Pakistan is one of the biggest exporters of wooden handicrafts globally through multiple online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, Alibaba & eBay, etc

6. Jewellery:

Jewellery is a popular handicraft in Pakistan, and it is often made using precious metals and gemstones. Handmade jewelry is still loved by many and it is highly sought after both in Pakistan and around the world. Pakistan is famous for its exceptionally skilled labour which produces classic and versatile designs of jewellery. Men and women customized traditional jewellery is crafted in Pakistan. Pakistan is also famous for the mass-level exports of jewellery items around the globe.

7. Brassware:

JBrassware is a popular handicraft in Pakistan, and it is used to make a variety of items such as bowls, trays, and decorative items. The brassware although is not as much in trend the collectors of antique handicrafts still rate them pretty highly as it’s not an easy skill to mould brass and have such a good command to shape it in different sorts. Brass plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery are popular kitchenware items produced in Pakistan. Brass candle holders, vases, wall hangings, and figurines are popular decorative items that can add a touch of elegance to your home and is also exported by Pakistan globally.

8. Camel Skin Products:

Camel skin products are a unique handicraft in Pakistan and they are made using the hides of camels. The hides are tanned using traditional techniques, and they are used to make a variety of items such as shoes, bags, lamps, and belts. Camel skin products are highly durable and long-lasting, and they are known for their intricate designs and patterns. Camel skin lamps from Multan and Bahawalpur are very famous for their unique and appealing designs

9. Marble Products:

Marble products are a popular handicraft in Pakistan, and they are used to make a variety of items such as tabletops, chess, vases, and decorative items. The marble is often carved by hand using traditional tools and techniques. Kpk especially swat is enriched in marble resources thus the marble products are made with great finesse there.

CONCLUSION

Pakistan has been blessed with great scenic beauty and landscapes from tall mountains and desserts to the beaches of Karachi and Gwadar and this also makeup to its rich cultural diversity and ethnicities enabling different cultures to express themselves in the form of their handicrafts. Their traditions, throughout generations, were put forward to outsiders through those handicrafts. Pakistani government though still has to take a lot of steps to promote the well-being of these craftsmen and promote their products and art both locally and internationally. With the digital and online boom individuals have come forward to take their art to people far beyond, but still, there’s a lot of potentials to be tapped.