The city of Peshawar, rich in history, is more than just the gateway to Pakistan—it is also a center of vibrant cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Located in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the city has nurtured a centuries-old tradition of woodwork, passed down through generations.
Artisans here make exquisite wooden furniture, from arched carvings and beds to practical tables and decorated doors. Each piece is meticulously hand-finished, reflecting skill, devotion, and a deep connection to the past. Much of this craft uses wood reclaimed from structures hundreds of years old, blending sustainability with heritage.
Peshawari furniture is not only central to the local economy but is also gaining recognition worldwide. High-quality handmade products are supplied to showrooms across Pakistan through wholesale networks, while demand continues to grow in international markets, particularly in the USA and the Middle East.
This growing industry is helping balance Pakistan’s export economy. Each handcrafted piece tells a story of tradition, sustainability, and innovation—an ongoing blend of ancient skills meeting modern demand.
Swat Wood Gallery and a Family Legacy
At Swat Wood Gallery, a workshop with more than 30 years of history, Yaseen Khan carries forward the legacy of his father and elder brother. The gallery is a gathering place where artisans carve arches, beds, sofas, tables, and doors—all by hand, without modern machinery.
“We use old Diar wood in all of it. It does not come from new trees that were just chopped down, but from the used ceilings and rooftops of old buildings that used wood. I am a sustainability believer, that is, conserving what we have,” said Yaseen Khan.
“This business was initiated by my father and brother thirty years ago, and currently, I also continue it. We recently shipped custom-made products via containers to the USA, California, and throughout the Middle East last month,” he added.
Yaseen believes the craft can only survive with greater government support, which would allow artisans to expand their work more comfortably. Inside his workshop, the process remains rooted in tradition: just three simple instruments, worn down by years of use, shape patterns into centuries-old wood.
“It is everything about patience,” explained Khan Adil, a carving expert. “Everything is crafted in our hands out of wood, using no machines, and that is why there never are any repetitions. A complete bed set or five-seater sofa on average takes 18–20 days. We take raw, old timber, usually just a rough log, and evolve it into state-of-the-art craftsmanship.”
Every carving tells a story. The wood, sourced from old buildings, undergoes careful restoration before being transformed into polished pieces of art. Artisans revive its original beauty, then shape, carve, and polish it with nothing but their hands and simple tools. The result is furniture that carries both the history of its origin and the mark of the craftsman.
This heritage extends to wooden toys and ornaments. Craftsmen carve camels, trains, and cars with the same skill and dedication as furniture makers, adding to the richness of Pakistan’s craft culture.
Rasheed Khan, a wooden toy maker and Guinness World Record holder, said:
“I have a specialty in hand-making intricate artifacts. I use reclaimed wood mostly—all full of history and character. It is my ambition to give this old material a new life and make it into distinctive and significant art objects bearing both artistry and tradition.”
The wholesale market in Peshawar also plays a vital role, distributing large volumes of handmade wooden furniture to showrooms across Punjab, Sindh, and beyond, where final touches are added before reaching customers.
Pakistan’s handmade wooden furniture industry is more than an economic sector—it is a living tradition. Each handcrafted item demonstrates the hard work and skill of artisans who not only produce functional furniture but also preserve cultural heritage.
As global demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly products grows, Peshawar’s craftsmen are well-positioned to meet it. Their artistry shows how cultural preservation and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.
With artisans still defining the future of the industry, Pakistan’s wooden furniture is set to remain a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring value in markets around the world.