Herat young women turn ceramic art into a source of income — Pajhwok

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Fifteen young women at an art gallery in Herat city are learning miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination and ceramic painting in an effort to preserve Afghanistan’s traditional arts and earn an income. However, the gallery’s manager says the high cost of importing unfinished ceramic ware from Iran remains a major challenge and calls for its domestic production. At the gallery, the young women carefully paint intricate designs on ceramic plates and other items, using delicate patterns and vibrant colours to transform them into decorative pieces. After the designs are completed, the items are fired and glazed to make them ready for use. Nagita Durrani, the gallery’s manager, said she had been running the centre for three years, teaching young women miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination and painting. “We started working with ceramic ware at the Ikhtiyaruddin Gallery three years ago. Fifteen young women work with us and learn these artistic skills. Our work focuses on ceramic ware and covers four areas: miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination and painting,” she said. Durrani added that, besides providing training opportunities, displaying the women’s work to tourists helped introduce their artistic skills to a wider audience. The decorated ceramic pieces add colour and character to the gallery. More than just a workplace, the centre offers young women an opportunity to develop their talents, learn…