Earthenware, ceramics, porcelain or terracotta – the art of pottery has been intrinsic to the Indian way of life. Be it the museums telling us of our history steeped in clay work or just the day-to-day abundance of earthenware in our lives, the traditional art of moulding beautiful objects from the gentle swirl of the kiln has been an inheritance that continues to thrive. And it becomes an even more alluring art when you add a dash of blue to it!
The craft of blue pottery traces back to Turko–Persian origins, where their architecture showed the brilliance of a turquoise blue, which was introduced in the dough to lend it colour. This slowly found its way to India and Jaipur, in particular, which became the hub of blue pottery in the country. The striking feature of this artwork is, of course, the bright blue – only one colour is the canvas for further design and decoration – making blue pottery stand out from all other kinds of clay work. Here’s where you can find your own piece of pottery, delivered at your doorstep.
SHOP
Kripal Kumbh
Founded by the Father of Blue Pottery, Kripal Singh Shekhawat, Kripal Kumbh pride themselves as one of the authentic manufactures and exporters of traditional blue pottery. The artisans have all been trained by Kripal Singh Shekhawat himself, who had won a Padma Shri in 1974 and also bestowed with the title of ‘Shilp Guru’ by the Government of India in 2002, among many other awards and accolades, all for his contribution to blue pottery. The website delivers across India and has everything, ranging from card holders to jewellery boxes and even tiles, your home may need.
Price: Rs 80 onwards
What We Love: Hand-painted lamps
For more, check here
Neerja International
With options of more than 300 products and nearly 1,000 original designs, Neerja International is one of the torchbearers of this art, with a vibrant showroom in Jaipur. They deliver handcrafted products sourced from in and around Jaipur to all parts of India, and their product catalogue include everything we could think of, from beer mugs, photo frames to egg holders and many more. The company supports hundreds of local artisans from Jaipur and its vicinity, and has helped preserve the art while creating employment in the region.
Price: Rs 80 onwards
What We Love: Incense-stick stands, cartoon knobs
For more, check here
Stophere
Here’s your one-stop shop for all blue pottery needs and at very reasonable prices too. Find pretty plates, serving trays and pickle pots, all designed in the traditional Jaipuri way, and give your personal space a dollop of colour. This website specialising in Indian handicrafts delivers across India, with free shipping.
Price: Rs 339 onwards
What We Love: Rose Flower Hangers, Lotus Plate
For more, check here
The Postbox
This website houses an exclusive limited edition collection of blue pottery that is hand-painted and sourced all the way from Jaipur. The Postbox supports artisans and creates a platform for them to showcase their skills. Pick from delicately designed coffee mugs, jewellery boxes and coasters, among others.
Price: Rs 399 onwards
What We Love: Peruvian Cornflower Coasters
For more, check here
LEARN THE ART
Taken by the art of pottery and want to give it try? Delhi offers classes in pottery, with special emphasis on blue pottery that will enable you to mould your own cerulean. Check them out here.
The Delhi Blue Pottery Trust
This is the oldest institution in the country with a history of more than 60 years. Studios equipped with kilns and instructors are available, and exhibitions are organised to present students’ work regularly. A spot must be booked in advance for the courses. Special summer classes are held from May 15th to July 15th every year.
Where: Delhi Blue Pottery Trust, Delhi Blue Apartments, Safdarjang Ring Road
Price: Rs 12,500 for six months, and Rs 3,600 for a month
For more info, email infodbpt@yahoo.co.in
Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre
The Delhi Blue Pottery trust has also collaborated with Sanskrit Kendra to start the Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre, where classes are conducted as per the regulations of the trust. On-the-spot registration and enrolling options are available here.
Where: Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre, Anandgram, Mehrauli–Gurgaon Road
Cost: Rs 12,500 for six months, and Rs 3,600 for a month
For more info, email kendra@sanskritifoundation.org
Earthenware, ceramics, porcelain or terracotta – the art of pottery has been intrinsic to the Indian way of life. Be it the museums telling us of our history steeped in clay work or just the day-to-day abundance of earthenware in our lives, the traditional art of moulding beautiful objects from the gentle swirl of the kiln has been an inheritance that continues to thrive. And it becomes an even more alluring art when you add a dash of blue to it!
The craft of blue pottery traces back to Turko–Persian origins, where their architecture showed the brilliance of a turquoise blue, which was introduced in the dough to lend it colour. This slowly found its way to India and Jaipur, in particular, which became the hub of blue pottery in the country. The striking feature of this artwork is, of course, the bright blue – only one colour is the canvas for further design and decoration – making blue pottery stand out from all other kinds of clay work. Here’s where you can find your own piece of pottery, delivered at your doorstep.
SHOP
Kripal Kumbh
Founded by the Father of Blue Pottery, Kripal Singh Shekhawat, Kripal Kumbh pride themselves as one of the authentic manufactures and exporters of traditional blue pottery. The artisans have all been trained by Kripal Singh Shekhawat himself, who had won a Padma Shri in 1974 and also bestowed with the title of ‘Shilp Guru’ by the Government of India in 2002, among many other awards and accolades, all for his contribution to blue pottery. The website delivers across India and has everything, ranging from card holders to jewellery boxes and even tiles, your home may need.
Price: Rs 80 onwards
What We Love: Hand-painted lamps
For more, check here
Neerja International
With options of more than 300 products and nearly 1,000 original designs, Neerja International is one of the torchbearers of this art, with a vibrant showroom in Jaipur. They deliver handcrafted products sourced from in and around Jaipur to all parts of India, and their product catalogue include everything we could think of, from beer mugs, photo frames to egg holders and many more. The company supports hundreds of local artisans from Jaipur and its vicinity, and has helped preserve the art while creating employment in the region.
Price: Rs 80 onwards
What We Love: Incense-stick stands, cartoon knobs
For more, check here
Stophere
Here’s your one-stop shop for all blue pottery needs and at very reasonable prices too. Find pretty plates, serving trays and pickle pots, all designed in the traditional Jaipuri way, and give your personal space a dollop of colour. This website specialising in Indian handicrafts delivers across India, with free shipping.
Price: Rs 339 onwards
What We Love: Rose Flower Hangers, Lotus Plate
For more, check here
The Postbox
This website houses an exclusive limited edition collection of blue pottery that is hand-painted and sourced all the way from Jaipur. The Postbox supports artisans and creates a platform for them to showcase their skills. Pick from delicately designed coffee mugs, jewellery boxes and coasters, among others.
Price: Rs 399 onwards
What We Love: Peruvian Cornflower Coasters
For more, check here
LEARN THE ART
Taken by the art of pottery and want to give it try? Delhi offers classes in pottery, with special emphasis on blue pottery that will enable you to mould your own cerulean. Check them out here.
The Delhi Blue Pottery Trust
This is the oldest institution in the country with a history of more than 60 years. Studios equipped with kilns and instructors are available, and exhibitions are organised to present students’ work regularly. A spot must be booked in advance for the courses. Special summer classes are held from May 15th to July 15th every year.
Where: Delhi Blue Pottery Trust, Delhi Blue Apartments, Safdarjang Ring Road
Price: Rs 12,500 for six months, and Rs 3,600 for a month
For more info, email infodbpt@yahoo.co.in
Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre
The Delhi Blue Pottery trust has also collaborated with Sanskrit Kendra to start the Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre, where classes are conducted as per the regulations of the trust. On-the-spot registration and enrolling options are available here.
Where: Sanskriti Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre, Anandgram, Mehrauli–Gurgaon Road
Cost: Rs 12,500 for six months, and Rs 3,600 for a month
For more info, email kendra@sanskritifoundation.org