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    Rafia Khan: The Creator of Laluna Concepts

    Written by: Dr. Dushka H. Saiyid
    Posted on: October 04, 2024 | | 中文

    Laluna's spring exhibition in 2018

    Rafia Khan is a woman of many parts: an ardent hiker, a yoga buff and a creator of beautiful artifacts using local artisans.

    Rafia had a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafts from childhood, and over time, she channeled and developed this interest. Over the years, Rafia did courses in interior designing and started making furniture. The idea behind the Laluna Concepts was also to support the local artisans and support their skills. She says that “Our country is blessed with such high mountains, minerals and gemstones”. She wanted to give what she made a contemporary twist with appeal to people of different generations.

    Stone inlay work (parchinkari) coaster

    The Hindukush, Himalayas and the Karakorak are source of invaluable stones, where these stones are easily available. She was inspired to work with stones: Gandhara Limestone, Calcite, Onyx, Marble, Garnet, Aquamarine, Peridot, Clear Quarz, Lapis Lazuli (from Badakhshan) and Jade. Precision is needed to create pieces of jewelry and some of her finest pieces are made from antique wood. Some of the chiseled pieces can be used for soups, salads and oil burners.

    Ghandara limestone with stone inlay work on cheese board

    The name Laluna was inspired by the Pushtu word, which means precious stones. The business started in the capital city in 2016, and the Serpentine and Lapis tables have become their signature products. Later Rafia branched off into jewelry, using local materials that are vital to the local craft and have been produced in this region for many centuries. The Gandhara limestone is part of her hand chiseled collection and is sourced from the Hazara division of the Khyber Pakhtunkwa, and is about 2000 to 3000 years old.

    The Pakistan bowl, calligraphy in brass set in a jade bowl

    Mrs Rafia Khan is the CEO of this small but creative venture, and explains that Lapis Lazuli is a gem of joy, bringing balance to one’s existence. Michaelangelo used it in a crushed form for his paintings, and even Cleopatra used it for her eye shadow. Some of the pieces have also been inspired by Greek patterns and the delicate metalwork of the Mughal times. Many of their accessories are hand hammered, like beaten copper, and the skills of the artisans have been passed down from their forefathers.

    Copper platter

    Mrs Rafia Khan’s exhibition drew many diplomats and most of her stuff sold fast. Her reach has extended as far as San Francisco, and the demand for her exquisite artifacts is only increasing over time.

    Antique Wood

    Gallery

    Handmade Rangli stone inlay work collection in the Parchinkari style, with marble and semi precious stones

    Parchinkari (pietra dura) stone inlay work lapis lazuli table set in brass

    Kufic calligraphy set in lapis lazuli platter


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    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

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    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
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    January 2021