Glaze & Earth
Blue Pottery, Surahis & The Medieval Ceramic Synthesis
REALM 46 — MEDIEVAL POTTERY
MICRO-REALM 01
The Glaze Revolution
- Glazing became widespread with the Islamic arrival.
- Fritware/Stonepaste (quartz + glass frit) used instead of clay.
- Created a non-porous, highly decorative, glassy surface.
MICRO-REALM 02
Turko-Persian Roots
- Techniques imported from Persia and Central Asia.
- Heavy use in architectural tilework (Kashikari).
- Distinctive color palette of cobalt blue and turquoise.
MICRO-REALM 03
Jaipur Blue Pottery
- Unique: Uses no clay (only quartz powder, glass, multani mitti).
- Fired at very low temperatures.
- Decorated with Arabesque animal and floral motifs.
MICRO-REALM 04
Multan Kashikari
- Famous center for blue/white architectural tiles.
- Adorns many Sufi shrines and tombs across the subcontinent.
- Intricate geometric and floral repetitive tessellations.
MICRO-REALM 05
The Surahi & Matka
- Unglazed terracotta remained essential for water storage.
- Porous walls allow evaporative cooling.
- Surahi (long-necked flask) became a staple in Mughal courts.
MICRO-REALM 06
Khurja Pottery (UP)
- Origin traces to Timur's artisans settling in India.
- High-fired ceramics with bright, colorful glazes.
- Traditionally used for tableware and vases.
MICRO-REALM 07
Martaban Trade Jars
- Massive, heavy-glazed stoneware jars.
- Imported via maritime trade routes from Southeast Asia/China.
- Used for storing oil, wine, and pickles on ships.
MICRO-REALM 08
Celadon Imports
- High-status jade-green glazed porcelain from China.
- Highly prized by Mughal emperors for royal banquets.
- Myth held that a celadon bowl would break or change color if poisoned.
MICRO-REALM 09
Khavda Pottery (Gujarat)
- Kutch region craft utilizing local lake mud.
- Painted with distinct black and white linear geometric designs.
- Coated with 'Geru' (red earth) to give a vibrant finish.
MICRO-REALM 10
Nizamabad Black Pottery
- Uttar Pradesh; fired in a closed kiln to trap smoke (black finish).
- Incised patterns filled with a silver-like amalgam of zinc/mercury.
- Mimics the aesthetic of expensive metal Bidriware.
MICRO-REALM 11
Kashmiri Paper Mâché
- Not true pottery, but serves similar decorative functions (bowls/boxes).
- Brought from Persia by Zain-ul-Abidin (15th C).
- Intricately painted with 'Naqashi' (floral/gold) and lacquered.
MICRO-REALM 12
The Potter's Wheel (Chak)
- Shift from heavy stone/clay wheels to spoked wooden wheels.
- Increased momentum allowed for finer, thinner-walled vessels.
- A central symbol of rural Indian craftsmanship and creation.