Blue Pottery of Rajasthan (Jaipur)
History
The Persian art of glazed blue pottery found its way to Jaipur via the Moghul courts. Later the art was revived with the help of Master Craftsman Kripal Singh Shekhawat, continues to add and design and colours to it. Jaipur, Sanganerm Mahalan and Neota are known for blue pottery. Specially notable are the painted tiles,vases, bowls, soap dishes and door knobs.
The art and technique of blue pottery were also brought to Jaipur, Rajasthan, by the Rajput king Man Singh. It later flourished under the patronage of his great grandson Maharaja Sawai Jai Sing II. While blue pottery itself originally came to India from Persia and Afghanistan.
Techniques Used
The Jaipur blue pottery is unique as quartz is used as a base material instead of clay. The objects are made from a mould using a mixture of feldspar, multani - mitti, edible gum and glass. The smoothened milky - white surface of the moulded object is then painted with mineral colours, cobalt oxide for blue and copper oxide for green for their hardness. The surface is subsequently glazed and fired to reveal the rich turquoise blue and pale green of the geometrical and floral designs.
Design & Styles
Rajasthani pottery has certain distinct characteristics. The mouth of water pots are small to prevent spilling when water is being carried. Their shoulders are painted in black and white pattern.
Common Materials Used
Multani Mitti or clay, gum, quartz, glass, cobal oxide, copper oxide.
Popular Products
Jars, vases, containers of various size, painted tiles, bowls, soap dishes, door knobs.
