Artist Revives Ancient Craft of Plasterwork in Taxila

In the historic city of Taxila, Pakistan, a dedicated artisan is fighting to preserve a centuries-old craft. Ishfaq Ahmed Siddiqui meticulously molds plaster of Paris into stunning artworks, echoing the artistic legacy of a bygone era.

A Solitary Artisan

In a humble workshop nestled in Dheri Shah, the scent of plaster and turpentine hangs in the air. Siddiqui, now 65, delicately guides a brush across a white surface. He adds color to the plaster creations, transforming them into floral designs that he hopes will endure.

For over three decades, Siddiqui has been a lone figure, crafting art from everyday materials. He draws inspiration from the ancient spirit of Taxila, a city once celebrated for its artistry and its Buddhist heritage.

“I am the first person to design on plaster of Paris with paint, who painted on plaster of Paris in Taxila,” Siddiqui shared, his voice marked by a lifetime of labor.

A Dying Tradition

Taxila, once known as Takshashila, flourished from the 5th century BCE to the 6th century CE. It served as a hub for Buddhist culture and education. Today, archaeologists and pilgrims are still drawn to its stone carvings.

Siddiqui’s choice of plaster of Paris was born out of necessity. Changing climate conditions made it difficult to obtain traditional clay. This led him to embrace plaster, a readily available and cost-effective alternative.

Skepticism initially met Siddiqui’s work. However, the pieces sold immediately. “With the grace of Allah, they sold the very next day,” he recalled.

Crafting Tranquility

Siddiqui starts with a white powder, mixing plaster of Paris with water to form a creamy paste. He pours the mixture into molds, allowing it to harden. After it sets, each piece is smoothed, painted, and gilded, transforming from a simple form into an object of elegance.

Siddiqui‘s floral motifs, inspired by nature and history, include delicate jasmine vines and rose buds. He hand-paints each piece, often gilding them for emphasis. These pieces evoke a timeless elegance.

“There’s a tranquility in it,” Siddiqui said, gesturing to a panel. “You lose yourself in the detail, in bringing something beautiful into existence.”

—Ishfaq Ahmed Siddiqui

His items, priced between Rs700 and Rs2,000 ($2.45–$7), carry the weight of heritage. According to the UN, the decline in artisans and traditional skills is a global challenge, with an estimated 20% decrease in such crafts in the last decade (UN Report, 2024).

The Weight of History

Cultural expert Uxi Mufti emphasizes the historical significance of Siddiqui’s work. He explained how the use of floral motifs in plasterwork has deep roots in both South Asian and Islamic art.

“From the ancient Gandharan stupas in Taxila itself, which often featured intricate stucco decorations, to the Mughal architecture adorned with exquisite floral carvings, this tradition speaks to a long history of appreciating natural beauty in artistic expression,” Mufti stated.

Mufti also noted that the flower motifs “beautify a space but also connect it to a rich tapestry of artistic and philosophical traditions. Siddiqui is not just creating decorative items, he is preserving and continuing a living cultural legacy.”

However, the tradition is nearing extinction. Older artisans are aging, and younger generations hesitate to pursue the craft because of its limited financial rewards.

“Over the past 70 years, many of our master artisans have grown old. Some have passed on, and those who are still practicing don’t want their children to learn the art because they can’t make enough money. So many of our great art traditions are vanishing.”