The art of wheel pottery in Iran: the rotation of history and art
Pottery with a wheel is one of the oldest and most popular methods of shaping clay. In Iran, this art has deep roots in history and culture, and pottery works with wheels have been adorning Iranian museums and homes since ancient times.
History of wheel pottery in Iran
Archaeological evidence shows that Iranians have mastered the art of wheel pottery since thousands of years ago. Pottery vessels discovered from ancient Iranian civilizations such as Susa and Silk show the high skill of Iranian potters in that era. In the Islamic period, with the spread of Islam and the decoration of mosques and religious places, the art of pottery flourished and Iranian potters achieved world fame by creating beautiful and delicate works.
Characteristics of Iranian pottery
- Variation in design and color: Iranian pottery is made with a great variety in design and color. From geometric and plant designs to human and animal designs, all can be seen in Iranian pottery.
- Various glazes: the use of colored and shiny glazes has doubled the beauty of Iranian pottery.
- High quality: Iranian pottery is very resistant and durable due to the high quality of the clay and the high skill of the potters.
Important pottery centers in Iran - Lalehjin: Lalehjin in Hamedan province is known as the pottery capital of Iran. The potters of Lalejin create very beautiful works by using the pottery wheel.
- Meibod: In Yazd province, the city of Meibod is also famous for the production of traditional and glazed pottery.
- Silqan: Silqan village in Isfahan province is another important pottery center in Iran.
The stages of making pottery with a wheel - Preparation of clay: you soften the clay and place it on the wheel to the required size.
- Shaping: By turning the wheel and pressing your fingers on the clay, you give it the initial shape.
- Opening the mouth: using special tools, you open the mouth of the container.
- Thinning the body: Thinning the body of the container to make it stronger.
- Drying: After shaping, you dry the dish for several days at room temperature.
- Cooking: Cook the dried dish in the oven at the right temperature to make it hard and resistant.
- Glazing (optional): After baking, you can decorate the dish with colored glaze and bake again in the oven.
The importance of preserving the art of wheel pottery - Preservation of cultural identity: Wheel pottery is a part of Iran’s cultural and artistic identity.
- Creating employment: This art can create job opportunities for potters and artisans.
- Tourism development: Iranian pottery works can be offered to tourists as souvenirs and valuable gifts.