Origin:  The Harappan cemeteries unveiled clay pots and clay fragments of everyday use. The Indus Valley civilization unwrapped clay female figurines famously titled mother goddesses. Clay articles such as human figurines, bull, monkey, buffalo, dog, horse, rhinoceros, ram, toy cart etc. are remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization. A clay dice discovered at Lothal, is a strange excavation, as it adorned with 1 opposite 2, 3 opposite 4, and 5 opposite 6.  Clay game boards and bricks have been unearthed from Lothal, Harappa and Mohanjodaro.  Clay animals and human figures having limbs and stings have also been discovered. Moanjodaro presented with plethora of Terracotta masks. Archaeologists also opine that the wet clay was used for sealing packages.  All the above illustrations symbolize the significance of clay in the ancient times. 

Present Day: The famed chef Sanjeev Kapoor has introduced The Sanjeev Kapoor range of Fine Bone China tableware products providing opportunity to artisans. From gorgeous tea sets and ice cream cups to humble apple bowls these products are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen in Jaipur. 

Today, the demand for clay products has touched new heights as people prefer to beautify their houses and gardens with clay craft. 

Procedure: One of the cheapest raw materials clay does not call for sophisticated tools. The outcome of the clay craft is dependent only on the creative skills of the artisans. 

The process calls for mixing two or more clay varieties. In this mixture, other elements are also added such as ash, sand and cattle dung. The technique can be divided into two steps hand moulding, and wheel throwing.

Terracotta is a clay that comes in unglazed and glazed ceramic form, where the fire body is porous. The common raw materials used are clay and clay slurry to keep everything together as a glue.

For generations, the process of pottery making clearly defines the task of men and women. Men dip their hands in throwing whilst women master the art of surface decoration. This soft clay is then given the shape of a pot and left to dry in the shade. Once it’s dried, village women use red, black, and white clay-based paints to decorate each piece of pottery. Once again it’s dried in sun. Post this it’s baked in a furnace. 

Terracotta handicrafts are one of the handicrafts that is highly requested and acclaimed all across the world. Clay products have a great demand in the International Market and contribute significantly in the growth of economy and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Bring Home: Stop by at the Rajasthan emporium to bring home the most beautiful clay products.