The Marvels Of Glaze & Fire – Jaipur Blue Pottery Masterclass With Gopal Saini

The Art of Blue Pottery came to Jaipur in the 14th century from Persia and Afghanistan via Mughal Courts. When it came to India with the Mughals, they started using it in various architectures. It was then introduced in Delhi and transferred to Jaipur artisans in the 17th century. From the bylanes of the Pink city, we bring the award winning artist - Mr. Gopal Saini for a hands-on experience on Jaipur Blue Pottery.

The use of blue glaze on pottery is an imported technique, first developed by Mongol artisans who combined Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. During its infancy, it was used to make tiles to decorate mosques, tombs and palaces in Central Asia. Later, following their conquests and arrival in India, the Mughals began using them in India. From there, the technique travelled to the plains of Delhi and in the 17th century went to Jaipur. Some accounts of the craft state that blue pottery came to Jaipur in the early 19th century under the Ruler Sawai Ram Singh II (1835 – 1880).

Did you know? Jaipur Blue Pottery is the only form of pottery in which clay isn’t used.

Gopal Saini has been honoured with the Shilp Guru Award by the Maharana Mewar Foundation, Udaipur and has several State and Academy Awards to his credit. His love for art has imparted him to train many students and delegates from India, Japan, Germany, Russia and the United States, to name a few. For Mr. Saini, blue pottery is practice and meditation and it brings satisfaction to his soul. 

Gopal Saini has a workshop that encompasses all the components required for Jaipur Blue Pottery. The workshop that was started in 1992, is artistic and elegant, with all kinds of blue pottery items. Make your own plate, or even a little wall hanging, or even a small vase. Design it in any which way you like and watch the oxides give birth to beautiful turquoise colours on your canvas. Take it home with you, along with a newly acquired mastery in an age old art form and some indelible memories. 

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a trip through the colorful world of Blue Pottery
• Get a live demonstration of the entire process - preparing the dough, molding, smoothing the surface, removing rough edges, attaching a base, painting, glazing, firing in a kiln, finishing up
• One-on-one conversations with the national-award-winning artist
• Co-create a cherished memory 
• Take home a little piece of Jaipur with you
• Be assisted by Rajasthan Studio team
• Small Group Sizes
• Sanitised Studio