“History of Blue Pottery”

The very ancient and historical city, Multan of Pakistan, is well reputed for its unique handicrafts. In these handicrafts, the art of painting and blue-pottery have their special encampment. These old art have become the identity of Multan because of the painting of blue and turquoise blue colour. In spite of sub-continent, in the central Asian states and in Arab realms, these arts are approved and also praised no doubt, the art of painting and blue-pottery have their exalted ranks as excellent arts in Islamic way of life. From A to Z, all accomplishment by the hands of human beings, thousand years old arts are manifastating still today with all of their freshness and shines in mosques, tombs and cemeteries in buildings of historical importance, in palaces and farts.

The forefathers of Muhammad Wajid had been developing and managing these handicrafts for more or less than three centuries. Muhammad Wajid inherited these arts. His late father, Allah Divaya, not only fame, this arts of painting and blue-pottery on national and international levels, but also acquired new styles according to the advanced age. As the remuneration, he was honoured by Agha Khan award. By following his fathers course, Muhammad Wajid served arts day and night with full elevation and dedication, with intelligence and wisdom and with sagacity. He introduced blue pottery in countless exhibitions and workshops which convened on national level and with God given abilities, he put forth this art of blue pottery and also the art of painting in various colours with specifies Islamic culture. So he was praised and patted with a lot of awards, medals and certificates of honour. Even today, he is seen busy to keep alive these arts. He is working hard to make these arts untouchable and everlasting.

In blue painting, the clay is the basic element, which is taken specially from the rivers. After grinding and staining this clay, it is moistened in water for three days. After this it is softened by crushing with hands. Then this clay is extended to the surface of smooth ground and with iron tools cut art least into more then one inch tiles or pieces, because this clay shrinks on dehydration. On drying, the tiles or pots are cut into required sizes. Then they are carved with various tools and small holes or gaps on these tiles or pots are also filled with clay to make their surfaces smooth and plane.

Before blue-painting on the plane surface of tiles the mixture of 50% and 15% gum is coated. On drying, it appears white. The outline of the design is drawn with a pen or brush by using 75% cobalt and 25% water mixture. Border is designed in the same way. After this the design or picture is coloured by using the mixture of 75% copper and 25% water. A panel can be made by joining tiles for big designs. For this purpose, the design is first carved on paper and then printed on tiles with the help of powdered coal on the completion of the design. 85% glass powder 15% gum glaze mixture is spread on tiles still the design is printed. In the last step, the glazed tiles or pots are heated very carefully and skilfully in a special kiln which runs at a temperature of 1200oC. on melting, the graze is removed and design appears into its true colours. After mellowing in kiln, cobalt appears blue and copper appears turquoise blue in colour.

In the end of this process, very beautifully painted designs of blue and turquoise-blue colours would be appeared to show the finest delicate style of the artist.