abahat Lotia’s Pottery Traditions of Pakistan is a captivating journey through the country’s rich pottery heritage. Lotia, a seasoned studio potter based in Karachi, draw on her roots in Lahore and Delhi to offer a unique perspective on the art of pottery. With over two decades of experience, she has crafted a book that beautifully amalgamates pottery traditions across Pakistan, making this work an exceptional addition for art enthusiasts, students and artisans alike.

In this book, Lotia explores pottery through the timeless elements: earth, water, fire and air, describing how these play a vital role in creating vessels that transcend mere utility and embody dignity and heritage. The book’s 27 chapters deal with each province of Pakistan – the Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – documenting unique traditions, techniques and regional identities that come alive through her words and vibrant visuals.

The book begins with a foreword by writer Rumana Husain. Nabahat is quoted as reflecting, “The dignity of clay transcends gold and silver.” This sentiment becomes a recurring theme, underscoring the respect and cultural significance attributed to clay art. Lotia’s approach is to not merely showcase the beauty of pottery but also to highlight its significance as a craft deeply intertwined with history and identity.

One of the highlights of the book is its exploration of Lahore’s streets, where fired and glazed handis (cooking pots) and tandoors (ovens) tell stories of traditional culinary culture. Lotia delves into the intricacies of clay work, describing techniques such as kneading and shaping and the process a potter undergoes. Through this journey, she provides readers with a tactile experience of the labour, artistry and love infused into each piece of pottery, from the preparation of clay to the final product.

The historical sections of the book are particularly engaging, offering readers a glimpse into the evolution of the potter’s wheel and the heritage of various styles. A favourite chapter for many will likely be the one on kuza gari (pitcher crafting), which brings to life the legacy of water vessels crafted with precision and purpose. Another fascinating section covers techniques such as jigger jolly and slip casting, both used in creating kaghzi piyalay (paper-thin bowls), a delicate art that Lotia makes accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

In this book, Lotia explores pottery through the timeless elements of earth, water, fire and air, capturing how these elements – central to the art form – play a vital role in creating vessels that transcend mere utility and embody dignity and heritage. 

As the journey progresses, Lotia moves to Sindh, where the focus shifts to decorative glazed crafts and traditional charcoal-making techniques, both distinctive to this province. The book also covers kasha kari, a traditional form of tile making, where she explains the intricate processes of setting and firing. This chapter serves as a beautiful tribute to Sindh’s architectural legacy, where these glazed tiles add splendour to mosques, homes and public spaces.

In Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lotia sheds light on unique pottery practices such as khaprail (roof tile crafting) and mut (tall clay vessels), elaborating on the significance of these objects in daily life. She describes techniques like two-piece press-moulding for crafting mutka.. Her attention to detail enriches each regionals narrative with authenticity and respect for the artisans who keep these traditions alive.

Pottery Traditions of Pakistan is a treasure trove not only for those passionate about pottery but also for anyone intrigued by Pakistan’s cultural diversity. Through stunning visuals, Lotia’s storytelling brings these craft traditions to life, capturing the essence of pottery as an art of resilience, beauty and heritage. The book provides valuable insights into clay-making techniques and the life of a potter, offering lessons that are both educational and inspiring.

The book stands out as a valuable resource for artisans, potters and students, offering a blend of history, technique and artistry. Nabahat Lotia has achieved something remarkable: a work that serves as both a cultural artefact and a practical guide. It is indeed a dignified celebration of Pakistan’s pottery heritage, deserving of a place on any shelf.

The reviewer is the head of content at a communications agency