Craft Name: Blue Pottery
Region: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
CRAFT
HISTORY
Blue pottery originated in Turkey and was brought to India during the 14th-century Turkic invasions. The craft was further developed under Mughal patronage and later flourished in Jaipur during the 17th to 19th centuries. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II played a vital role in promoting this craft by inviting artisans to Jaipur and helping establish it as a local specialty.
The craft’s roots lie in Turko-Persian traditions, combining Persian designs and Chinese glazing techniques with the local Indian context.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:
- Blue pottery is distinct for its use of cobalt oxide-based blue dye, translucent body made from quartz, and glazing without the use of clay.
- No use of clay in making the pottery
- Its vibrant blue color combined with floral, geometric, bird, and animal motifs makes it stand out. The pottery is low-fired and glazed, creating a semi-transparent, smooth finish.
Received a
GI tag in 2023
COLOURS
- Predominantly cobalt blue and white, with occasional additions of turquoise, black, green, and yellow hues.
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making this craft?
A Blue Pottery product typically takes 5–12 days to make and involves 2–4 artisans in the process
MOTIFS
- Common motifs include floral patterns, geometric designs, birds, and animals inspired by Persian and Mughal art styles.
RAW MATERIAL
- Quartz powder, powdered glass, fuller’s earth, borax, gum, and water.
CRAFT MAKING PROCESS
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT
- Look for the distinctive translucent blue glaze and smooth finish.
- Confirm the absence of clay in the pottery body.
- Authentic pieces exhibit hand-painted cobalt blue motifs with uneven brush strokes indicating manual work.
- Verify the origin by checking for Jaipur or Rajasthan craft certification or from known authentic sellers.