Khurja Pottery Made by an Artisan from Khurja, Uttar Pradesh

Personal Details

Hi! I am a Khurja pottery artisan/manufacturer. I was born in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh. I make bowls, planters, vases, etc.

Khurja Pottery Skills

I started learning the art of pottery at the age of 18. I learned the art of Khurja pottery from my elder brother, who is a Shilp Guru award winner in this art. The art of pottery is 400 years old and was brought to India by the Mughals.

Khurja Pottery Process

The basic raw materials required to make Khurja pottery products are clay, quartz stone, ceramic colors, and water.

Firstly, clay and stone are ground together and bound with water to make a soft dough. After that, using a potter’s wheel, the dough is shaped into objects like cups, mugs, vases, etc.

Molds are also used in some products such as figures. The clay solution is poured into the mold of the required product. After drying, the molds are removed.

In both processes, the products are dried completely and rubbed with a cloth to smoothen the surface of the objects. Again the products are dried. After that, coloring is done using brushes and ceramic colors. Then the products are glazed. Products are then heated in a furnace at 1200 degrees. Firing provides greater durability to clay products.

Benefits

The pottery products I make are both useful and decorative.

Specialization

My expertise lies in the exquisite Mughal-style craftwork that I do on pottery products.

Experience

I have experience of 32 years in this craft.

Participation in Exhibitions

I have displayed my products in India and abroad.

In India, I have exhibited my products at Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad), Cultural Center Exhibition (Allahabad), Dilli Haat (New Delhi), India International Trade Fair (New Delhi), Taj Mahotsav (Agra), Lucknow Mahotsav (Lucknow), Banaras Mahotsav ( Varanasi), and Expo Mart (Noida).

Apart from these, I have exhibited my Khurja pottery products in Dubai (UAE) and Milan (Italy).

Awards

I have been awarded the State Award by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1996 and the National Award by the Central Government in 2006 for Khurja Pottery Craft.

Training Programmes Conducted

I have given training in Zila Udyog Program and Guru Shishya Parampara Program organized by DCH. Till now more than 1,000 students have learned from me. I have also conducted workshops at Dilli Haat and Crafts Museum.

Future Plans

In the future, I want to sell my products not only in India but also abroad.