The Magic of BLUE Ink in PINK City.

Blue pottery is a very well-known and exceptional art of Jaipur, Rajasthan. As we hear Bihar the first name of the art comes in our mind is Madhubani Paintings, in the same way, Blue pottery comes when we hear Jaipur. Blue Pottery grabs the attention of many people due to its distinctive style and art.

The distinguishing factor which makes the craft of Blue Pottery different from any other pottery technique being practiced around the world is that it is the only pottery technique that does not use clay. Also, the blue color used in it makes it distinct in appearance. Originally blue and turquoise green colors were used on a white base.

The Blue Pottery is centuries old but surprisingly it is not originated in Jaipur. There is a history behind it. The art was primarily introduced by Mughals. Blue pottery art travelled to India with Mughals who introduced and flourished it. It came to Delhi via Kashmir and then it settled down at Jaipur in the 17th century. Before it was used only in mosques, tombs, and forts with painted tiles. In the early 19th Century, Maharaja Ram Singh II sent some artisans to Delhi for the training and invited the masters of this art to come and settle in Jaipur. Under the rule of, Monarch Blue pottery flourished in Pink City and in this way it became an identity of Jaipur.

Blue Pottery making is quite a lengthy process. It requires a lot of patience and effort. Every stage involves so many efficient people with the unique procedure, Pottery is made by mixing quartz stone powder, powdered glass, Fuller’s Earth, borax, gum, and water. After that, it is hand-painted with animal and bird motifs by artisans. The vibrant blue color with the white surface has flora and fauna motifs and a combination of geometric designs.

Blue pottery gives an elegant look to the interior of any house. This industry is environment friendly as it is purely hand-painted; the quartz concerto of the ceramic is well suitable for the hot and dehydrated climate of the area of Rajasthan. Blue pottery is rarely developed crack due to continuous smoothing of the surface and low firing, germ-free and suitable for daily use.

Varieties of Blue Pottery products

The Art which is home for Livelihood of Artisans

In the recent scenario, the Blue pottery industry is a source of livelihood for many people in Jaipur. Major clusters of Blue Pottery are Kotjewar, Muhana, Mehla, and Neota. Among all people of Kotjewar are very much involved in the art of making Blue Pottery.

This traditional art has evolved from time to time in different products. Apart from Jars, Vases, Pots, one can find Tea sets, Cups and Saucers, Plates and Glasses, Jugs, Ashtrays. Also, Napkin rings are being introduced.

Jaipur has been practicing the unique art of blue pottery since the last 100 years. It is labor-intensive and uses traditional methods for the production of pottery. Different Communities like Muslims, Rajput, Natt, Kumhar, Regar are engaged in the manufacturing process. Out of 400, Around 250 artisans of these communities are primarily involved in the manufacturing of the blue art pottery.

Artisans’ livelihood is mainly dependent on blue pottery and agricultural land. Due to a lack of resources and water, Agriculture is only possible in rainy seasons. Mostly all family members are involved in each and every stage of the production process right from raw material to finished products.

Earlier 40–45 units were involved in this craft, but from the last few years, many people have stopped practicing. People are leaving this craft and are going for some labor work or migrating for some salaried job.

Problems faced by Blue Pottery Industry Lengthy Process. The percentage of literacy and skill is low among laborers. Non-existing of Marketing systems.Deficiency of finance, no proper costing procedures Issues in Storage and Availability of Raw Material, No Standard method of preparation of dye, Dependency on Sun for drying, Conventional production technique(new color combination with blue pottery model), Competition from Khurja Craft, Craftsperson dependency on monsoon.

The marketing system of these units is fully controlled by the exporters and traders. Most of the units do not have any kind of branding, display or any retail outlets. Marketing techniques of their own. From India, blue pottery is majorly exported to the United States of America, France, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Norway. (Source: Global Export Import Market Intelligence Info drive India(1996–2018))

Initially it was done with floral or geometric designs. In recent trends, customers are expecting new innovations in designs like abstract or Fabric. Jaipur Blue pottery still required more innovation in process, designs, products and Marketing techniques that can be facilitated by the coordination and cooperation of the Government or Non-governmental agencies.