ISLAMABAD, Sep 16: A group of master artisans are being trained here at Lok Virsa in the field of wood art, metal work, lacquer art, papier mache and truck art to keep alive traditions of dying arts.

Besides training, the artisans belonging to remote regions will also display and sell their products to earn livelihood and make products according to market needs.

The Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) in collaboration with SUNGI Development Foundation and GIZ is holding a series of master artisans training workshops.

Two batches of the training workshop have been held recently while the current workshop will continue till September 27.

Commenting on the workshop, Khalid Javaid, Executive Director Lok Virsa said that craftsmen were engaged in wood carving, producing furniture and wooden artefacts of unsurpassed quality all over the country, as the art of carved wood was mostly used for furniture, screen, doors and windows.

“Jali” or screening is done by cutting of wood into floral patterns appearing almost like a sieve.

Punjab is famous for the skills of carving, incising and inlaying in Sheesham wood. Chiniot is well known for brass and bone inlay in wood. Kashmiri craftsmen excel in delicate workmanship on walnut wood. Swat is famous for lavishly ornamented carved wooden columns and pillars, doors, chests and wooden balconies of houses and mosques.

Woodwork in Pakistan, include wood carving, bone, ivory and metal inlay, lacquer, lattice, etc. —APP