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    Peetal (Brass) Makes a Comeback

    Written by: Uzma Nawaz
    Posted on: October 24, 2016 | | 中文

    26 inch high exquisite brass deers (source: imgrum)

    Delicate fingers work on the intricate pattern. In the sweltering hot workshop, fragments of Peetal (brass) are scattered around him. Unaware of time and surroundings, he works diligently on the elaborate woven petals and flowers. He creates a jewelry box with a touch of gold, a gleaming object that resembles the majestic allure of bygone days.

    Many such artisans continue to unfold magnificent and impressive objects that are hand-made to perfection: the paandans* that dadijan (grandmother) proudly carries to show their rich heritage, a set of measuring spoons that seem to belong to the early 1900s, and the traditional matkas or big milk buckets that are commonly used in Old Lahore.  

    Peetal Gali (Brass Market) Karachi

    A brass shop in Old Lahore (source: Pakistan Today)

    Peetal has not only become popular in Pakistan, but is globally considered one of the finest metals to make decorative memorabilia and utensils. Peetal Gali in Karachi is one place where connoisseurs can saunter across the long narrow stretch of the winding lane to discover many treasures within. Located near Golimar, this obscure area is unknown to most residents of the city. The market here wakes up by mid-day, to turn everything to gold when the blazing sun is at its peak.

    Peetal Gali (Brass Market) Karachi

    Brass workshop in Karachi (source: Kamran Shafiq, Flickr)

    Similar to other markets, Peetal Gali contains an amalgam of flashy outlets coupled with old, unkempt ones. Some present a gaudy, typical façade with glitters of Peetal items displayed to the hilt. These are run-of-the-mill candelabras, ashtrays, spoons, animal figurines and the like. Interestingly, the ones that appear run-down from the outside reveal a magical workshop within, that produce spellbinding products. Designers frequently visit the Gali to order the wares of their choice, and exporters come here to get the best bargains on bulk purchase. Other similar markets are located across the country in Lahore, Peshawar, Hyderabad and Sukkur.

    Peetal Gali (Brass Market) Karachi

    18th century Mughal ewer (source: ahmadalugaily, instagram)

    The demand of Peetal has steadily increased over the years, as more and more home décor and furnishing houses are now exploring this enchanting metal to create contemporary lampshades, frames and bathroom accessories. Exceptional decorative floor tiles, entrance door borders, flashy table mats, napkin rings and wall are some of the items in demand. Hakim, one of the artisans opines, “Gone are the days when people demanded ashtrays and candle holders made of Peetal. Many designers now come with unique ideas and get their items tailor-made as per their needs.”

    Since Peetal is a metal that can be formed into desired shapes and forms while retaining high strength, many designers buy sheets of Peetal in bulk to create their own designs in their workshops. One of the rising trends among young artists is the use of Peetal to create outstanding designs in statues, abstract art structures, vehicles and monuments. “Peetal is a highly diversified metal, used extensively to create art pieces and sculptures. It can be forged or cast into almost any shape to get the end result”, says Amin Gulgee, a seasoned sculptor who has created a variety of Peetal art structures in the past.

    Peetal Gali (Brass Market) Karachi

    A Peshawar brass shop (source: Peace Pak)

    Being a good conductor of heat and electricity, Peetal is fast finding its way into the realm of architecture as well. Many architects and interior designers alike are exploring the use of Peetal for building façade tiles, floor tiles, wooden embedded motifs within tiles and outdoor garden ornaments.

    A much-desired medium for the expression of art, the glamorous Peetal is here to stay.

     

    * A small container of betel leaves traditionally chewed after a meal


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021