Origin and Technique
The origin of this craft can be traced back to the 17th century, when Mughal rulers patronized this artform. High quality pottery was made for different purposes like storage, cooking and decoration. Over time new techniques and styles were developed that saw an amalgam of Mughal, Persian and indigenous influences. Known for its exquisite designs, depicting nature and geometric patterns, what makes Chunar pottery unique is the application of glaze on a highly unusual red clay to give it a lustrous finish. The pottery once made, is dried in the sun and then fired in a kiln. A glaze is then prepared by mixing powdered glass with clay and applied with the help of a brush. The pottery is further subjected to a second round of firing in a kiln at high temperatures, a critical process as it helps melt the glass and fuse it to the pottery.
A Symbolic Art
For centuries the craft of Chunar Glaze Pottery has formed an integral part of a rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. The craft has been passed down through generations of artisans, with each generation evolving new techniques and designs to this art form. Today this pottery continues to be highly valued for its, beauty, functionality, durability and cultural significance. At the same time the Chunar Glaze Pottery carries a symbolic significance too. Its designs, inspired by nature, represent the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, while the glaze symbolizes purity and perfection.