An Introduction to the Art of Pottery!

Pottery is the art of crafting various vessels and objects from clay. Clay pots may be among the oldest human-made artifacts. Across Iran, this beautiful and valuable art exists in diverse forms. Clay is one of the finest materials for pottery. Plates, cups, decorative items, and jars are some of the objects created from clay. In fact, clay vessels are among humanity’s oldest handcrafted products. Among the most famous ancient pottery items are jars and bowls. Before glassmaking became widespread, most utensils used by humans were made of clay.

The Art of Pottery

Pottery refers to the art of making ceramic vessels. Skilled potters, over many years, have created exquisite ceramics adorned with diverse patterns and designs. Pottery is considered one of the most valuable arts and handicrafts, and ceramics from each century reflect the culture and way of life of that era. Therefore, pottery is a highly valuable skill that, with the right tools, can be used to create unique and beautiful works of art.

In pottery, after a clay vessel is shaped by the potter, it is placed in a kiln. The intense heat transforms the clay’s nature, hardening it into durable pottery. According to Dehkhoda’s dictionary, the word "pottery" is defined as:
"Pottery in Gilaki is 'Sofal.' It is said to be the broken fragments of jars and pitchers. (Borhan) Clay vessels and ceramics. (Ghiyas) The Persian word for ceramics. (Tohfeh-ye Hakim Momen) Baked clay. (Alfaz al-Adviyeh). In Tabarestan, all roofs are made of red pottery. (Hodood al-Alam)."

History of Pottery

It can be said with certainty that clay vessels are humanity’s oldest creations. However, it is impossible to determine exactly where humans first experimented with mixing water and soil to craft objects. Given that ancient civilizations are the cradle of most human inventions and discoveries, pottery too has roots in these ancient lands. It is one of the oldest handicrafts, and countless artifacts have been discovered worldwide from various historical periods.

Early humans first made clay vessels. They discovered that by shaping and drying clay, they could create functional objects. Over time, they realized that firing clay in heat produced stronger and more durable vessels. Studying the history of pottery offers valuable insights into past cultures. Pottery is one of the most enduring forms of art, and ancient ceramics provide comprehensive information about a society’s economic and cultural development.

Regions Known for Pottery in Iran

Some prominent pottery centers include:

• Mand, Gonabad

• Lalejin, Hamadan

• Meybod, Yazd

• Shahr-e Kord, Isfahan

• Zanuz, Azerbaijan

• Kozeh Kenan, Azerbaijan

• Kalpurgan, Sistan and Baluchestan

• Jooybar, Mazandaran

• Siahkal, Gilan

Each region has its distinctive pottery style. Small differences in raw materials result in variations in color and design, making each region’s products easily identifiable.

Essential Pottery Tools

Clay is the most critical material in pottery. For small projects, pre-prepared clay can be purchased. Other essential tools include:

• Pottery Needle: A long needle with a wooden or plastic handle, used for cutting clay and creating designs.

• Pottery Knife: A thin-bladed knife available in hard or flexible versions, used for refining and shaping vessels.

• Rib Tool (Mashtah): Used with a pottery wheel to smooth and shape clay. Typically made of wood or rubber in semi-circular or triangular shapes.

• Scraper (Kardak): For trimming and refining clay surfaces.

• Sponge: A large natural or synthetic sponge is useful for absorbing excess water.

• Brush: For applying water or, later, paint and decoration.

• Wire Cutter: A wire with handles at both ends, often used to cut clay or remove the vessel from the wheel.

• Bowl and Water: Essential for keeping hands moist and preventing clay from sticking.

• Measuring Tool: For determining exact dimensions of vessels.

• Storage Box: Pottery tools are often small; a sturdy box prevents loss or damage. Metal, wooden, or plastic boxes are preferable.

Pottery Techniques and Steps

1. Preparing the Clay:
Clay is a mixture of water and soil. Careful water addition is crucial—too much or too little water weakens the clay, potentially causing cracks during shaping.

2. Kneading the Clay:
Once mixed, the clay should be kneaded like dough and pounded to remove air bubbles.

3. Shaping the Clay:
This is one of the most important steps. Once the clay is well-kneaded and cohesive, it can be shaped.

4. Handbuilding or Wheel-Throwing:

• Handbuilding (No Wheel): Includes coil, pinch, and slab techniques, ideal for simple vessels or sculptures.

• Wheel-Throwing: Requires more skill and allows the creation of complex and elegant pottery.

Tips for Shaping:

• Ensure all parts of the vessel are even and balanced.

• If adding components like handles or rims, make sure the clay moisture matches the main piece.

• Keep a bowl of water nearby to prevent clay from drying.

5. Firing the Pottery:
Once shaped, the clay must dry before being placed in a kiln. Firing times and temperatures vary depending on the piece. Always use gloves and tongs when removing fired pottery. If you do not have access to a kiln, local pottery centers often provide firing services.

6. Glazing:
After firing, vessels can be coated with glaze for beauty. Since glaze is fluid, the bottom should be waxed to prevent sticking to the kiln.

Pottery is an ancient craft that continues to connect us to our cultural heritage. By learning this art, you can create beautiful, unique works that blend tradition with personal creativity.