Our Journey

We exist for the love of craft, for the love of creating.
Our journey began in November2017, when I conducted some research on marble handicrafts industry in Karachi fora personal project. It was during this time that I started to re-evaluate the potentialof inlay crafts practiced by local artisans and in the process realized thatcraft of inlay had almost faded away with time. Art of ‘Sedefkari’ also knownas mother of pearl inlay, which once graced our handicraft industry was restrictedto a few mundane pieces which completely lacked innovation. Dearth of design interventionhad brought this industry on the verge of extinction. As a result of which, communityof ‘Sedefkari’ artisans had suffered and this craft became almost non-existent.
As a firmbeliever in the power of craft and significant role it plays in connecting communities,I embarked on a journey with intention to learn and revive handcrafted techniquesof inlay. This process of self-learning and research led to exploration of variousforms of inlay crafts; stone inlay and marquetry being two of them. Visits to severalworkshops of master artisans in various part of the world has had a profoundimpact on my understanding of craft as a language and its ability to transcendscultural boundaries and time. I believe that craft connects cultures and humanhand holds power to narrate stories which touch the soul.
I have beenpracticing various crafts for years now and this process has filled me withimmense gratitude for the global community of artisans, who are keepinghandcrafted traditions alive in today’s world which is excessively inclinedtowards mass production and disposable culture. My creative journey has been anenriching experience as it has paved way for sustainable and sociallyresponsible practice. Our materials are locally sourced, a small effort on ourpart to support local industry. The biggest asset of ‘Topstone’ our artisansare devoted guardians of inlay tradition who are eager and innovative in theirpractice.
Our objective however goes beyond the revival and preservation of crafts we aim to make it contemporary relevant. Our design philosophy revolves around application of traditional techniques in contemporary context, creating multi layered narrative which celebrates cultural diversity and transcends boundaries of time.
Samia Rajar
Founder of Topstone