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Pottery
 Pottery, one of the old crafts, has its own standing tradition in Rajasthan. Certain shapes are characteristic of Rajasthan.
Alwar has been known for its double cutwork pottery known as “kagzi”. It is made of a thin layer of clay and needs a high degree of skill. Purely decorative, the pottery of
Bikaner uses lac colors embellished with gold to give a glittering finish. Possibly the only pottery in the world that is made without using clay, Blue Pottery of
Jaipur is unique in appearance.
The art of glazed pottery came to India through Persia. The materials used are
Multani clay or 'fuller's earth', quartz, raw glaze, and sodium
sulphate. The best pieces are hand painted with conventional floral or arabesque patterns and sometimes with figures of animals. Besides traditional articles like 'surahis', pots and cylindrical jars, other items include ashtrays, tiles, flower pots, lamp stands, beads, ear rings, soap cases, jugs, mugs and door knobs.
The best pieces are hand - painted with conventional floral or arabesque patterns and sometimes with figures of animals. Besides traditional articles like
surahis, pots and cylindrical jars, other items include ash-trays, tiles, flower pots, lamp stands, beads, ear rings, soap dishes, jugs, mugs and door knobs.
 The revival of tile-making began in the late 19th century, and Jaipur became the centre of a thriving new industry producing
blueware. The traditional Persian designs have now been adapted to please a more sophisticated clientele. Apart from the predictable urns, jars, pots and vases, you'll now find tea sets, cups and saucers, plates and glasses, jugs, ashtrays and even napkin rings.
You can spot blue pottery being made at Sanganer, not far from Jaipur, and also within the city at
Kripal Kumbh, Shiva Marg. The color palette is restricted to blue derived from the oxide of cobalt, green from the oxide of copper and white, though other non-conventional
colours such as yellow and brown have jumped into the fray too.
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