Artifacts crafted using hands, without the help of complex tools and machinery is the simplest way to describe handicrafts. Pottery is one of the oldest known handicrafts, and apart from having archaeological significance it has influenced the socio economic set up of the society, since its inception. Costs involved are low. Pottery items are well known for their ambidextrous function, of being a decorative as well as an item of utility.
For a brief historic background of its inception, let us go back to the early 6000BC, when near the beginning of the Neolithic era, it was first made as a crude object. It was used to hold things like twigs, leaves etc. Various studies were conducted in order to compare pottery, crafted around the same period in different regions. Even the slightest similarity suggested a social co- relation, between the two geographies.
Pottery is largely classified as follows:
• Earthenware
• Stoneware
• Ceramic ware
Earthenware is the least sophisticated, owing to the procedures followed in making them. Stoneware was slightly more advanced and ceramic ware is certainly the most sophisticated earthenware.
Pottery making in India is a much sought after vocation and art form, commonly seen in rustic India. Potters wheel evolved into small industries and the existing industries are being revolutionized with scientific intervention. Sir S. Deb ran the first pottery unit in India at Calcutta. It was successful in establishing high class pottery from local clay. In the first decade of the 20th century, porcelain factories were set up in Gwalior and Calcutta. And today, India is ranked among the top 5 tile manufactures globally.
Depending on the feature, pottery can be classified as black pottery, blue pottery, semitransparent pottery and terracotta. The two main categories however are the glazed and unglazed variety. They are made beautiful by adding suitable color and designs.
The state of Uttar Pradesh also has a distinctive artifact namely the Khurja, which looks enchanting with warm shades of autumnal colors like orange, brown, and light red. The background has floral patterns in sky blue color and is by and large used as table ware, dinner-set or as a flower vase. The blue pottery from Delhi and the famous hand painted blue pottery of Jaipur are noted for their delicate designs and exquisite painting. The paint brush used is made of squirrel's hair. Rampur 'surahis' or 'waterpots' are noted for their green blue glazes. White pottery made of white clay is found in Kutch.
Pottery in South India is unique as well. Apart from being a host to thousands of tourists throughout the year, and enthralling them with an unsurpassed picturesque grandeur, Goa also boasts of rich handicraft. Goan earthenware has a deep rich velvety surface. Chillum which is a clay pipe used for smoking is also an artifact down south. Vellore, Usilampatti in Madurai, Karigari pottery in Andhra Pradesh, Arcot of Tamil Nadu and Khanapur in Belgaum district of Karnataka are the places famous for its production. Moving on to the most popular form of pottery the 'terracotta' of west Bengal is multifaceted in function. It is used as a tile for flooring, sometimes in the ceiling and also as ethnic wall decor. Home decor with a touch of terracotta is truly enchanting.
The art of pottery may undoubtedly be the oldest handicraft known, but is definitely not one that has not witnessed resurgence. Since the use of the potter's wheel in the early Bronze Age, the art of making pottery has come a long way. Adding effervescence to the multicultural facet of India and the world, pottery has truly enticed mankind.
By: Amrith K.A
Best Selling Handicrafts Gifts
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