Elegance from Afar: Central Asian Crockery in Bhera , District Sargodha
Before the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the ancestors of Advocate, Khawaja Zahid Nasim, were engaged in trade with the Central Asian States. Among the fine goods they traded was delicate, lightweight crockery — crafted from fine bone china or refined porcelain.
These tea sets were valued for their elegance, remarkable thinness, and refined finish. Light in the hand yet durable, their superb smooth glaze reflected both quality craftsmanship and refined taste.
Such crockery was not merely for daily use; it symbolised cultural connection, prosperity, and an appreciation for beauty in domestic life.
These imported pieces stand as a reminder of an era when trade between Central Asia and Punjab carried not only merchandise, but also artistry and tradition into homes like those of Bhera, district Sargodha.
Pictures courtesy: Advocate, Khawaja Zahid Naim. Postcards and Bookmarks by Maheen Mumtaz.
Zahid Mumtaz