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"Blue Pottery of Multan: A Legacy in Cobalt and Clay." - Women Designers and Artisans
July 29, 2025
Dear Reader

🌀 MizLink Muses #005

Blue Pottery of Multan: A Legacy in Cobalt and Clay

Newsletter Introduction

In this edition of MizLink Muses, we take you into the mesmerizing world of Blue Pottery of Multan—a radiant expression of Pakistan’s ceramic heritage. Known for its rich cobalt blue and turquoise glazes, this centuries-old craft reflects the legacy of Persian, Central Asian, and South Asian influences.

Crafted by hand, each piece of blue pottery carries with it the soul of the artisan, the rhythm of traditional patterns, and the elegance of modern-day interpretation. From delicately painted plates to tall, sculptural vases, blue pottery is not just a product—it’s a story molded in clay.

While traditionally dominated by male artisans, the craft has seen a transformative shift in recent years. The establishment of the Institute of Blue Pottery Development (IBPD) in Multan has been pivotal in this change. The institute opened its doors to women, encouraging their participation and ensuring the preservation of this heritage for future generations.


🧿 Featured Tribute: Ustad Muhammad Aalam

No story of Multani Blue Pottery is complete without acknowledging the monumental contributions of Ustad Muhammad Aalam.

A revered master, his legacy is inseparable from the craft itself. Ustad Aalam’s exceptional skill and dedication to preserving this centuries-old art have not only elevated the craft but also made him an iconic figure in traditional pottery.

As a visionary artisan, he transformed the perception and practice of blue pottery. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the Institute of Blue Pottery Development (IBPD), a center of learning and innovation. Under his guidance, the institute became a space where both men and women could learn, practice, and preserve this art. Through his unwavering commitment, Ustad Aalam ensured that Multani Blue Pottery would thrive, passing its beauty and significance down to future generations.


👩‍🎨 Empowering Women Through Craft

Historically, the art of blue pottery was a male-dominated field. However, with the efforts of institutions like IBPD, women have been encouraged to take up this craft, leading to a significant increase in female participation. The institute offers specialized training programs, providing women with the skills and knowledge to create intricate designs and contribute to the global appreciation of Multani Blue Pottery.

This empowerment through craft not only preserves a cultural heritage but also provides women with economic opportunities, enabling them to support their families and communities.


🎨 Featured Craft: Art in Every Curve

Blue Pottery of Multan is deeply tied to the city’s spiritual and artistic roots. Passed down through generations in family-run workshops, the craft thrives today thanks to dedicated artisans—many of them women—who continue to shape, paint, and fire these stunning creations by hand.

Each item, whether functional or purely decorative, speaks of cultural pride and creative mastery. With motifs ranging from floral vines and arabesques to birds and geometric bands, blue pottery pieces offer a window into a world where heritage meets design.✨🕊️


🛍️ Product Spotlight: Blue Pottery of Multan

Bring the timeless craft of Multan into your space with these handcrafted treasures:

🌟 Plates — For serving or display, each one tells a story through medallion and border motifs.
🌟 Decorative Plates — Intricately painted and made for wall displays or gifting.
🌟 Tall Vases — Statement pieces that add height and heritage to any room.
🌟 Urns & Bowls — Elegant and multi-purpose, combining function with beauty.
🌟 Ashtrays — Compact collectibles that blend utility and craftsmanship.

Each piece is glazed, hand-painted, and fired to perfection—a fusion of tradition, utility, and artistic vision.

👉 Browse these creations → Blue Pottery of Multan Collection



🎥 Video Feature: The Craft of Blue Pottery

Step into the workshops of Multan and witness the magic of clay transformed into art. In this feature video, we follow artisans through each stage of the crafting process—from clay mixing and shaping to painting and glazing.

Watch as tradition comes to life through the hands of skilled potters and decorators. Learn how this ancient art is being preserved, reimagined, and celebrated around the world.

🎥 Watch Now – The Craft of Blue Pottery of Multan The Exquisite Blue Pottery of Multan


Muses of The Month

This month we have stories from two inspiring females; one an artisan and the other a designer. Let's dive in.

✨ Artisan's Spotlight

Crafting Dreams and Livelihoods: Shagufta Rehman

Shagufta Rehman’s journey into the world of Multani Blue Pottery is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of craft. Born and raised in Multan, Shagufta always had an eye for beauty and an innate connection to the cultural heritage surrounding her. Growing up in a community where the intricate art of blue pottery was passed down through generations, she often found herself enchanted by the vivid hues and delicate designs.

However, Shagufta’s path wasn’t always straightforward. Like many women in her community, the art of blue pottery had been largely inaccessible. It was a field dominated by men, and the opportunities for women to learn the craft were few and far between. But Shagufta’s determination led her to seek out a way to participate.

With the advent of institutions like the Institute of Blue Pottery Development (IBPD), Shagufta found the chance to learn under the mentorship of skilled artisans. At IBPD, she was taught not only the practical skills of pottery-making but also the deep cultural significance of the art form. What began as a personal pursuit quickly turned into a passion to create.

Today, Shagufta has not only become a skilled artisan but has also built a successful business. She specializes in creating exquisite blue pottery designs, each piece infused with her unique artistic vision.

What’s even more inspiring is that she has used her craft to support her family, providing a steady income while also teaching other women in her community. Through her pottery, Shagufta has transformed her life, empowering herself and encouraging other women to embrace this traditional craft.


👩‍🎨 Designer's Spotlight:

Blending Tradition with Modern Design: Samina Tariq

Samina Tariq is a force in the design world. A young, innovative designer, Samina discovered the potential of Multani Blue Pottery not just as an art form but as a medium to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

After pursuing formal studies in design, Samina became deeply inspired by the intricate motifs and rich cultural history of Multani Blue Pottery. However, rather than simply learning the craft herself, she sought to bridge the worlds of modern design and traditional pottery by collaborating with artisans to bring her designs to life.

Starting with small orders, Samina would sketch out modern designs that incorporated the timeless blue pottery aesthetic. She would then work closely with the skilled artisans of Multan, explaining her designs and providing them with detailed guidelines to create the final product. Through this collaboration, Samina was able to produce unique pieces that blended her own creative vision with the artistry of Multani Blue Pottery.

Samina’s designs quickly caught the attention of interior designers, boutiques, and collectors who appreciated the fusion of contemporary flair with traditional craftsmanship.

Over time, Samina built a thriving business that not only provided her with a steady livelihood but also offered the artisans who worked with her a platform to showcase their skills.

Today, she engages several artisans, many of them women, who help turn her designs into beautiful pieces of functional art.

Samina’s success is proof of the incredible potential that comes from empowering women through creative partnerships, highlighting the significance of preserving heritage while also embracing innovation.



🧵 Want to Be Featured?

If you’re a woman entrepreneur, designer, artisan, or professional with a story to share, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Submit your profile here: Add a Profile

Create your own page on MizLink Pakistan with photos, stories, and your work. We feature standout submissions in future editions of MizLink Muses.

As you add your products, profiles, experiences and success stories - or even failure stories - we will select some of the submissions and add them here to be sent to our ever-expanding visitor base across the country and around the World. We have visitors coming to our site from 92 countries!!

You can 'Make Your Own Page' on MizLink Pakistan with pictures and from those submissions the ones that are really interesting will be added here.

Subscribe to our newsletter MizLink Muses to share more like these stories.

Join Us, Make Your Own Page, Knowledge sharing ....this Newsletter is also absolutely FREE...

Until next time, Stay inspired,
The MizLink Pakistan Team
🌐 MizLink Pakistan


🎁 Free Gift: Blue Pottery of Multan-eBook

Excited to learn more?

We’re offering a FREE download of our beautifully illustrated eBook:

Blue Pottery of Multan

"Blue Pottery of Multan: A Legacy in Cobalt and Clay."



EBook-Blue Pottery of Multan-sv
📖 Discover:

Our featured eBook, Blue Pottery of Multan, offers a concise introduction to the rich history and craftsmanship behind this iconic art form. In this guide, readers will:

Explore the origins of Multani Blue Pottery, tracing its roots to ancient Persia and its evolution in the heart of Multan.

Discover the product range, from decorative items like vases and decorative paltes to functional pieces such as plates, urns and bowls.

This brief yet informative eBook provides an essential overview for those new to the craft or looking to learn more about the legacy of Blue Pottery of Multan.

• The fascinating Craft of Blue Pottery of Multan
• Products of Blue Pottery for your home
• Get the full eBook version from our page MizLink EBooks

📩 Subscribe to our Newsletter: MizLink Muses and download your free copy of the eBook here!

Enjoy the read — and stay tuned for our upcoming issues full of inspiration, arts and crafts of Pakistan, artisan stories, and cultural treasures.

Warm regards,


The MizLink Team

mizlink-pakistan.com

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