Pottery And Terracotta

Blue Pottery is a specialty of Rajasthan. The glazed ceramic ware which originated in Persia was introduced to the state and patronized by Maharaja Ram Singhji. The use of ground quartz stone, raw glaze, Fuller's earth and Sodium Sulphite instead of clay marks the uniqueness of this style of pottery.

Bright colors such as blue green and white and intricate delicate designs make the pots jars and such urns remarkably eye-catching and desirable collectors’ items. Oxides of inorganic matter such as cobalt and copper are used to impart the vivid colors to these pots. A brilliant aquamarine shade is created by the use of Copper Sulphate and Cobalt Oxide brings out the sapphire color in these pots. The patterns and motifs are essentially floral and dainty blossoms, leaves, buds and fruits are etched on the surface of the blue pots. The items made in Blue Pottery are flower vases, jugs, pots and jars, surahis (pitchers), lamp shades, tiles, ashtrays, flower pots, jars, traditional lamps (diyas) doorknobs and other articles of interior decoration.

The impervious and translucent surface makes these more hygienic than other earthenware and also more aesthetically appealing. Squirrel’s hair brushes are used to paint the outer surface of these articles Jaipur is the hub for the potters adopting the Blue Pottery style. Other traditional forms of pottery are also cultivated and promoted in the state. Kagzi Pottery, cultivated well in Alwar is famed for the thin walled pots and the lightweight urns. The double-walled pots, jars and urns are in vogue as they facilitate air circulation and hence keep the water chill. The traditional pots of Rajasthan have small necks to prevent spilling of water, a dear item of everyday use. The potters of Pokhran draw geometric designs on the surface and those of Bikaner paint their urns with lac colors and gold. Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Sikar, and Sawaimadhopur in Rajasthan are famous for their pottery.

Terracotta works of Rajasthan are also extremely famous. Nohar in Bikaner is famous for the intricate ware in terracotta produced here. Jallore and Ahora districts specialize in the terracotta horses which hold religious significances for the natives and are tourists’ favorite keepsakes. Nagaur and Merta are also famed for the many trinkets and terracotta jewellery produced there. Molela has earned a name for the amazing carved plaques and figurines of terracotta made there.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011