Pakistans National Museum displays Kashmiri arts and crafts

Local Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

National Museum of Pakistan, (NMP) Karachi on Tuesday held an arts and
crafts exhibition on ‘Kashmir’ in connection with Kashmir Day, which
Pakistan has been observing since 1990 to show solidarity with Kashmiri
brethren and to attract attention of the international community
towards their plight at the hands of the occupying Indian forces.

Ancient books, embroidery work, wooden stuff, flower pots etc were placed on display, which will continue till February 20.

“We
want to highlight Kashmir’s culture and arts,” said assistant curator
of NMP, Noor Ahmed. He said the things on display revealed the
expertise of Kashmiris in crafts and reflected their love for the arts.
“It reveals their aesthetic sense and reflects that they are peaceful
and artistic people,” he added.

Transcribed, illuminated and
decorated ancient copies of the Quran dating back to 1869-70 and an
18th century poetry book “probably” written by Aziz
(Gulgasht-i-Kashmir” were also on display along with embroidery work.

One
of the oldest books at the show ‘Izhar-ul-Advia’ contained information
about herbs, birds and flowers in 12 languages namely Kashmiri, Arabic,
Persian, Greek, English, Hindi, Sansakrat, Turkey, Hindko, Pasthu,
Punjabi and Hebraic. The book dated back to 1869-70.

Walnut wood
carved jewel box and flower vase with two handles round in shape and
liquor work depicting picture of flower and leaves also displayed.

Noor Ahmed said NMP is holding exhibition on Kashmir since 1991 regularly and each year, response of people has been impressive.

One
visitor, Dr Jamshed Zaki added that he is visiting the museum after a
gap of 10-12 years along with his family members mainly to see arts and
crafts of Kashmiris.

“I wanted to get inspiration from ancient
things and see what changes have taken place in Kashmir,” he said. He
added Kashmiris are basically peace loving people and hoped that the
situation would improve there. The curator of NMP Mohammed Shah Bukhari
inaugurated the exhibition.

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