Introduction
Pottery that is created by hand is not perfect yet it has a magic about itself. It is an ode to our history because in states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, there are families who have practiced the art of creating pottery for a long time.
Different Types of Pottery
Firstly, you must try to choose what kind of pottery you would like. For example, Jaipur is known for blue pottery which have white floral patterns and work as decorative mugs or vases. On the other hand, Khurja pottery is from Uttar Pradesh which is popular for its usage of an earthy base and ceramic clay which is adorned with raised floral motifs. Terracotta pottery has a rustic red look and it is used heavily as a planter, water jugs or even as diyas, specifically during the festival of Diwali.
Authentic Pottery
If you want to buy extremely authentic handmade pottery, there are certain signs you must look for. For example, there should be slight asymmetry as no two handmade pieces can look exactly the same. You will find visible carving spots or brush strokes. These will evidently mean that the pottery was hand painted or it was thrown in the wheel by hand. If the sellers has written that the primary material is ‘ceramic mix’, that means it is NOT handmade. Handmade pots are usually made using Multani mitti, stoneware, quartz and terracotta. Real pottery may have the artisan’s name or the origin details.
Handmade pottery requires a lot of labor to make. That is because it is a time-taking process and the price of natural materials and sustainable practices is more than machine-made goods. The pricing is generally not cheap but fair.
Importance of Reviews
If you wish to buy pottery from an online source, you may pay attention to the reviews. We live in a time where technology is very prevalent. With the help of filters, the product may look different when you order it and different when you receive it. It is very important to make sure that the sellers packs the pottery carefully and reading the reviews carefully will definitely help you.
You should always consider to buy pottery which has a return policy or at the very least; an exchange policy. If it arrives broken or defective, you must be able to complain and get immediate action. If the seller is reputable, they will have a return policy within a given time limit. Some of the best stores to buy pottery from are iTokri, clay and glaze and gaatha handicrafts. Gaatha handicrafts showcases pottery directly from artisan communities. iTokri sources the pottery by paying local and rural artisans. If you are looking for minimal, earthy pottery then Clay and Gaze, a Pondicherry based company, is the right fit. It has a wonderful pottery studio with new age aesthetics.
If you are buying pottery online, you must take care of it in the right way. Terracotta pottery needs to be gently rinsed and dried. If you wash a blue and glazed pot by hand, it extends the life of the pot. If you possess an extremely decorative piece of pottery, you must simply wipe it with a cloth without using any rough chemical as it will completely ruin the product. If you have bought a traditional kulhad, you should season it before using. It will not crack if you soak it in water for a while.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gifting someone pottery is a creative step because it connects to something authentic. You are supporting your country’s legacy. Therefore, you must buy thoughtfully because be proud of promoting your country’s craft. You should find a piece that speaks to you, with its little imperfections yet unmistakable charm.
Author
Shreeja Mukherjee