Blue Pottery
About Blue Pottery
Blue Pottery is a craft widely practiced in the Jaipur region of India. It is characterized by its intricate designs and vibrant blue color, with motifs inspired by nature, and Islamic and Mughal art. The products like pots, vases, plates, and tiles were typically produced earlier but now it has evolved to include functional objects such as pen holders, soap dishes trinket boxes, and candle stands among others.
History and Tradition
Blue Pottery has a history steeped in cultural exchange and craftsmanship. Believed to have been introduced to India by Persian artisans in the 14th century, it gradually evolved into a distinct art form. Excavations at the Purana Qila have revealed glazed ware of the Sultanate period. Initially practiced in Delhi, it later spread to other regions such as Jaipur, and Rajasthan, where it gained prominence and became synonymous with the region's cultural identity. Over the years the craft was kept alive by Her Highness Gayatri Devi who widely promoted Blue Pottery.
Technique
Blue Pottery is distinguished by its unique technique, which involves a fusion of quartz, powdered glass, multani mitti (Fuller's earth), borax, and sodium sulfate. It is the only pottery technique in the world where clay is not used in the process. Artisans meticulously shape the pottery by hand or on a potter's wheel, allowing them to create various forms such as vases, bowls, plates, and tiles. The pottery is then sun-dried, glazed, and low-fired, resulting in its distinctive blue hues.
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