Chishti calls for resources to train new artists

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LAHORE — Woodwork is a time-honoured craft that needs support to fully realise its potential, said Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) CEO Tauqeer Ahmed Nasir recently.

“Pakistan is world renowned for its woodwork. To promote the interest of artisans of the craft, from time to time PNCA organises an array of programmes,” he said at the opening of an exhibition titled ‘Magnificent Wood Carvings’ by the legendary Alhaj Ustad Muhammad Ali Chishti.

Lovingly chiseled works of the 82-year-old master craftsman delight people from all walks of life. He has successfully fused Mughal and geometric Swati styles of wood carving, which he taught and practiced on the subcontinent. His works have been displayed at the Shakir Ali Museum and at Masjid-e-Shuhada.

He said that his mother had wanted him to find a safer vocation than his older brother who was drafted into the army during the Second World War. Chisti became an apprentice to Asa and Nathe Singh, two Sikh masters of the craft in Gurdaspur, India, and adopted a technique common among Sikhs, but not usually practiced in the Muslim community.

Visitors always greatly admired the intricate beds, bedsteads, tables, sofa sets, writing desks and cupboards produced by Chishti.

“Very little effort is being made to support this craft. This is why I want to establish a school or academy of art where I can teach the techniques that I have mastered,” he said. “I have also noticed that girls are becoming more interested in learning this art.”

He creates exquisite wooden objects by merging octagons, squares and circles in the tradition of Islamic art. His admirers say that many images can be found in Chishti’s handmade pieces. One likened every piece to a distinct theatre performance, which tells a story and uniquely demonstrates the artist’s mastery of his craft.