Blue Pottery: where heritage meets handmade beauty

Passionate about uncovering the past, My academic journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of historical contexts and research methodologies. My goal is to contribute to the field by exploring historical narratives and preserving cultural heritage.

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ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT

location: Humayun tomb sunken museum
source: personal visit

The origin of the blue pottery is said to have its roots in Persia, the Persian artisans have been credited with introducing it to India, way back in the 18th century, during the Mughal era. Some also attribute Turkish influences on this art, making it a rich fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian cultures.

Colors: Two types of colors are used in Blue Pottery

– Oxide colors

– Ferro colors

The main colors used in Blue Pottery are

Dark Blue – from Cobalt Oxide
Light Blue – from copper oxide
Green – from Chrome Oxide
Bright Yellow– From Cadmium Oxide
Brown – obtained from Ferro colors.

source: google

DESIGNS

The craft was initially used for the design of monuments. With new interventions demands for a whole new range of products was introduced. In the present times art makes all sorts of possible things in blue pottery along with the traditional product.

Product range from surahi [ arrow necked water jar]

Flower vases, cylindrical jars, plates, small bowls, ashtrays, essence holders, decorative wall hanging, cups,mugs, glazed tiles and games.

CONTRIBUTION OF GURUCHARAN SINGH

He was born in Gujranwala, his mentor Ram Singh Kabli noticed Singh’s interest in ceramics and encouraged him to travel to Japan to study commercial ceramics- after which he gave his first solo exhibition of studio pottery in tokyo to acclaim. After his return to India, in 1927, he founded the All India Fine Arts and Craft Society [ AIFAC]. In 1952 he founded Delhi Blue Pottery Art Pottery which became the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust in 1991 and in this year he was awarded Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of ceramics.Since then his ceramics, enriched with the vivid Persian blue hues, have made an incredible mark in the rich traditions of Indian art.

USE OF BLUE POTTERY BEYOND INDIA

The use of blue color in pottery has been popular in many cultures throughout history, and the reasons for its use can vary from culture to culture. Here are some examples of countries that have used blue color in pottery and their reasons:

Mexico: Mexican pottery is known for its vibrant colors, including blue. The use of blue in Mexican pottery is believed to have been influenced by Spanish colonization and the introduction of talavera pottery from Spain. Blue is often combined with other colors such as green, yellow, and red to create colorful patterns.
China: Blue and white porcelain has been a prominent part of Chinese ceramics for centuries. The blue color is often made from cobalt oxide, and it was introduced during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Blue and white porcelain became a symbol of Chinese art and culture, and it was often used for special occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.

Iran: Persian pottery is known for its intricate blue patterns that are often combined with other colours such as turquoise and gold. The blue color is believed to represent the sky and the heavens, and it is often used in Islamic art to represent infinity and the divine.

Morocco: Moroccan pottery is often decorated with blue patterns that are inspired by the country’s Islamic heritage. The color blue is believed to provide protection from evil spirits, and it is often used in traditional Moroccan architecture and art.

source: google

USE OF BLUE POTTERY MOTIFS ON GARMENTS

In the fashion world, there is always a demand for something novel and artistic. Experiment of blue pottery motifs with various surface ornamentation techniques in apparel designing is providing an imaginative collection to the people who want to adopt their tradition with minute modernisation. It was concluded in this research that, blue pottery motifs theme became popular and liked by all respondents.

motifs of blue pottery on textile
source: journal of home science

fig2 [ pottery design on textile] source: journal of home science

MOTIFS USED ARE:

calligraphy on pottery
source: wikipedia

Arabesque pattern- Delhi’s blue pottery often features intricate, flowing patterns inspired by the mughal art and architecture, which sometimes include calligraphy, floral patterns or any geometric designs.

Flora and Fauna – In Jaipur’s blue pottery features peacocks and other birds the Delhi pottery includes lotus flower or some animal motifs that of elephants etc.

Challenges: One of the major difficulties for the craftsmen is the bearing of the raw lead oxide used in the glaze. Although the content is reduced to harmless amounts after the performance of fritting, the carriage of lead makes customers skeptical about purchasing.The craftsmen likewise need bright sunshine for the drying needed in various stages of the craft. Any extra moisture will retain it from drying and lead to collapsing from its own weight during firing. This is also because of the presence of sodium sulphate which causes water retention.

CONCLUSION

Blue pottery has been around for centuries, and it is still highly valued and cherished today. The beauty of blue pottery lies not only in its intricate designs but also in the use of the color blue, which adds a level of sophistication and elegance that is unmatched by any other color. The use of cobalt oxide to create the blue color adds a sense of richness and depth to the pottery, making it one of the most sought-after types of pottery in the world. In conclusion, the beauty of blue pottery lies in its intricate designs and the use of the color blue, which adds a level of sophistication and elegance that is unmatched by any other color. The vibrant and vivid shade of blue created by cobalt oxide adds a level of richness and depth to the pottery, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting effect that is truly captivating. The beauty of blue pottery is a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans who create it and a tribute to the timeless appeal of this exquisite form of art.

REFERENCES