Blue pottery has a charm that’s hard to ignore. Its soothing cobalt blue colour and dainty flower designs make it a little surprise that the beautiful pieces are the darling of art lovers and home decor enthusiasts alike. Originating in Persia and brought to India by the Mughals, the delicate form has found a home in Rajasthan. Out of all the beautifully handcrafted wonders that it has to offer, blue pottery plates take centre stage – merging culture, craftsmanship, and class in one stunning piece.
But the story is that this wonderful form of art is slowly falling into the background.
The Significance of Blue Pottery in Cultural Heritage
The Struggle to Survive
Blue pottery had also been a mark of distinction at some point in the past. However, it started losing its sheen due to a few reasons. For one, the master craftspeople did not wish to share their techniques, as their methods might be misused or disrespected. Thus, the techniques remained secret, and the new generation slowly lost interest in learning this laborious process.
Adding to the complexity, the production of the blue pottery isn't that easy either. It requires precision, patience, and dedication. Naturally, the production has remained limited, while the demand in the market has become uncertain.
What prevents Blue Pottery from advancing nowadays?
Let us deconstruct the primary obstacles that confront artisans:
- Lack of Awareness: Not everyone has an awareness of the work, skill, and time that go into creating each item.
- Factory Competition: Mass-produced, machine-made ceramics prevail everywhere, with little space for the beauty of the hand-made.
- Fragility of the Art: Blue pottery is fragile, rendering storage and transportation a risky task.
- Limited Support: Most talented craftspeople lack the financial or institutional support that they deserve.
Why It Matters and What You Can Do?
This isn’t about maintaining an ancient craft alive. Blue pottery is part of our heritage. Every single item, made by hand, tells a story about craftsmanship and heritage. In purchasing your blue pottery plates or other items, you’re not only decorating your home. You’re supporting a community of craftspeople and maintaining their heritage.
The next time you're shopping for a gift or redecorating your living space, think outside the box.
Pick blue pottery and add beauty to your everyday life.
