MCCI Secretary General Khurram Javed said Rehman's family even worked in the Taj Mahal, Agra and many notable examples of Naqqashi are seen on the walls and ceilings of important buildings like mosques, tombs and places. Khurram said Rehman was hosted by Pacific Asia Museum and he reached United States on October 30, where he has been demonstrating his wonderful art in different states of America.
He said MCCI had launched a website on "Naqqashi" two years ago to introduce the Naqashi, products of camel skin and blue pottery globally. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, MCCI Secretary said that from the mysterious buildings of the world, one was Taj Mahal (Agra) which was decorated by the Multani Naqashs, who were especially called for this purpose. "Their supreme work of Naqashi is still there with its full grandeur and gravity and affects the observers," he added.
He said the distinctive art of Multan which was a living proof of our ancient ties with Turkish and Persian cultures was not being introduced internationally nor the skilled peoples were encouraged in past. Elaborating the history, the MCCI Secretary General said the use of blue glaze on pottery made from Multani Mitti or fuller's earth was an imported technique, first developed by Mongol artisans who combined Chinese glazing technique with Persian decorative art.
"Later Mughals used this art in mimic. Kashikari (Naqashi on glazed tiles) and blue pottery are two beautiful techniques for which Multan is famous world over. The use of foliage branches and leaves of trees, the superb colours mainly blue are evidence of Persian influence. Over a period of time Multani Naqashi work has developed its own unique style. Now a days Naqashi on camel skin products is also very much in demand."
He further said that earlier this art was used only to make tiles for decorating mosques, tombs and palaces in central Asia. But the association of religion had given the art of Naqashi a deeper significance and dimension, he added.
He said Shah Rukan-e-Alam shrine had one of the biggest domes in Asia, while the shrine of Shams-e-Tabraiz was built almost entirely of sky-blue engraved and glazed bricks. "Exterior of mausoleum is decorated with glazed green square tiles and lime plaster."
The origin of artisan's families dates back this craft to the time of successful Muslim excursions into Indus basin led by Muhammad bin Qasim. Royal patronage, lucrative business and attraction of living the most beautiful of Indian cities led many artisans and craftsmen to make Multan their permanent home. He said the shrine of Sheikh Yusuf Gardez was master piece of Multani style (rectangular tomb with flat roof, fully covered with glazed tiles in geometrical pattern).
A panel decorating the faced of the eastern entrance of the tomb of Bahauddin Zakria may be taken as the earliest known specimen on the soil of Pakistan for Kashikari. Most of the monuments of Multani style, mosques, tombs and even secular buildings are decorated with enamelled tile work in various vivid and attractive designs.