Heritage Tile Technique

Kashi-Kari (Glazed Tile) Restoration

Vibrant blue, turquoise, and white glazed tiles arranged in intricate Mughal patterns. Pakistan's master heritage tile tradition — preserving Wazir Khan Mosque style + Multan tomb tradition.

What is Kashi-Kari?

Kashi-kari (named after Kashan, Persia — the technique's origin) is the art of using glazed ceramic tiles in geometric, floral, and calligraphic patterns as architectural decoration. In Pakistan, kashi-kari reached two distinctive expressions: Mughal-era kashi-kari (Wazir Khan Mosque) and Multani Sultanate kashi-kari (tombs).

The technique uses tiles painted with metal oxide glazes — cobalt blue (CuO), turquoise (CuCO3), white (tin glaze), yellow (FeO + Sb), fired to high temperatures for vibrant permanent color.

Two Pakistani Kashi-Kari Traditions

Mughal Kashi-Kari (Lahore)

Best example: Wazir Khan Mosque (1634-35). Intricate floral + geometric patterns in cobalt blue, turquoise, white. Recent restoration led by Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Multani Sultanate Kashi-Kari

Best example: Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam (14th century). Distinctive blue + white tile work covering massive surfaces. Different style from Mughal — earlier, more austere.

Kashi-Kari Restoration Process

Pattern Documentation — Map every existing tile + pattern before intervention
Tile Sourcing — Identify original glazes; commission matching replacement tiles
Tile Making — Hand-made tiles from traditional clay, glazes, kiln firing
Substrate Preparation — Lime-based bedding compound (NOT cement)
Tile Setting — Pattern matching, careful placement, lime grout
Curing — Slow curing maintains tile + substrate integrity
Final Cleaning — Restore tile sheen without damaging surface

FAQs

Are kashi-kari tiles still made in Pakistan?

Yes — limited number of traditional kilns in Multan and Lahore continue producing kashi-kari tiles. Heritage restoration projects require specific commissioning to match exact dimensions and glaze colors.

How long does kashi-kari restoration take?

Slow process: tile sourcing/commissioning weeks, setting + curing weeks per area. Large monument restoration is multi-year work proceeding in phases.

Why can't modern tiles be used?

Modern factory tiles differ in: dimensions, glaze chemistry, color depth, surface texture. Using them creates visible aesthetic mismatch and chemical compatibility issues with original substrate.