Salahuddin Mian


Salahuddin Mian was Pakistan's first ceramic artist. He was born Mian Salahuddin. According to Mian, his inspiration to become a ceramist was because he was "born in the locality of potters in the town of Kasur."

Background

Mian was born in Kasur, Punjab to an upper-middle-class family of 10 children. His father, Mian Mohammad Rafi was a landowner and farmer as well as member of the local council.

Education

He graduated from Government School in Kasur. In 1958, he joined the National College of Arts, Lahore, graduating four years later. While there he studied under the Japanese ceramist, Koichi Takita Sensei.
He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1965.

Personality

His father's murder deeply affected him.

His work

He referred to groups of similar pieces as "the families".

Teaching

He started his teaching career at National College of Arts in 1963. He retired in 1998 as head of the department.

Students

Amongst his students was Sheherezade Alam, Pakistan's first female ceramist.

Death

He died as a result of brain cancer on 28 February 2006.

Exhibitions