A Walk Through Multan's 'House of Art' (Nigar Khana)

A simple sign marks the entrance, and as one enters the shop a short dim corridor,followed by a series of steep steps lead down to a veritable treasure trove of traditional Multani handicrafts.

Situated in what used to be the Barood Khana or armoury where gunpowder and weapons used to be stored, the shop has been in business for almost fifty years.

Multan’s most famous export is its signature blue style of pottery, and both ancient and modern examples of this unique craft can be found in every corner.

Numerous examples of Multan's famous turquoise pottery adorn the shop, along with paintings, lamps of all sizes and carved wooden souvenirs.

Mosaic glass work, camel bone jewellery, musical instruments and clay figurines can also be found jostling for attention in this almost hidden location.

Owner and proprietor Abdul Waheed, tells us that numerous foreign guidebooks on Pakistan have made mention of the ‘Nigar Khana’ over the years, and that former Prime ministers, visiting heads of state and writers have been part of the countless visitors at this historic location.

Abdul Waheed, who has been running ’Nigar Khana’ for over three decades now, also mentions that there is no dearth of artisans producing quality works of art for the shop, but relates that tastes have certainly changed over the years.

Sadly the old artisans of traditional blue pottery are no longer around, and these days newer pieces are made of porcelain rather than earthenware that was used in the past.