Shaping of Elegance
The craft of Pokhran Pottery has ancient roots, dating back centuries. The Pokhran region, with its abundant clay deposits and skilled artisans, has been a centre for pottery production for a very long time. Known for its earthy rustic appeal, Pokhran Pottery’s light pink color is the result of a laborious process in which hard clay is beaten, ground and filtered through a sieve to get the appropriate fine texture. This clay has different properties than the normal red terracotta used by potters in the rest of the country.
Once the clay is ready, it is shaped and molded by hands into the desired form such as pots, vases, kitchen utensils or decorative pieces. The clay objects are dried in the sun for several days, a process which helps to strengthen the clay and prepare it for the next stage. Once dry, the clay products are hand- painted by the artisans. Intricate floral or geometric patterns are often found adorning these earthen pots and vases. After the painting is complete these earthen wares are fired in a kiln at high temperatures in order to harden the clay and set the colors. What sets the Pokhran Pottery apart from other earthen wares is its unique color, durability and intricate carving, which adds a touch of sophistication to these simple yet elegant clay pieces.
