In India and across central Asia, wood carvings have always been intricate and luxurious. From Chitral to Chiniot and Tharparkar, nearly all regions of Pakistan have their own styles of wood carving. The colours of the furniture represent family values and the bond between them.

People who live next to the sea mostly used shades of turquoise and blue in their work, while those from the mountains use red and green, which are said to be the colours of love and prosperity. Many of the patterns are taken from old carpets and tapestries that depict the traditions of that particular region.

So it is small wonder that the capital is one place where artists and workers from all areas converge. Those who run the many furniture restoration workshops in the capital say they are primarily interested in preserving the art of their regions, as well as the traditions that come from central Asian influences.

They say they assess what people like and by restoring antique pieces, can increase their market value, which was somehow forgotten by time and the people who originally bought them.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2015

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