N 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 handi s (cooking pots) and tandoor s (.
