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