Jaipur (Rajasthan), Dec 17 (ANI): Since last 10 years traditional Jaipur blue pottery which boasts of receiving a geographical indication (GI) tag has seen a sharp decline in the market. Customers happily opt for cheaper ceramic products than these carefully crafted potteries, while craftsmen suffer. In 19th century, during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II, Maharajah of Jaipur, blue pottery made its entry in Rajasthan. ‘Blue pottery’ derives its name from the eye-catching blue dye that is used to color the pottery. A blend of powdered quartz stone, powdered glass, Fuller’s Earth, borax, gum and water is mixed together to create a dough and later glazed and baked in low fire. Due to its brittle nature this pottery art incurs 50%-60% loss during making. Distinguished guests from all across the world including former US President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton and American actor Richard Gere have also appreciated this art during their visit here. Earlier this art was widely popular and many villages especially within the periphery of Jaipur used to earn their livelihood through this trade. However, today no more than 10 families are continuing with this hand dying handicraft. It has become non-profitable even for those whose families have been in the trade since ages. The traditional technique of blue pottery requires sun rays for which no work can be done during rainy season. A craftsman informs that, “We need to earn money and that is why we have started painting on kettles and lantern so that our work do not stop. We cannot shift to electric furnace as it has iron and magnesium which damage the product. We have to do this for our survival.” While another says, “Government should make scope for Research and development workshops on blue pottery and many more arts whose sustaining becomes a big question.” The artisans complain of the lack of proper tools and subsidy by the government. Many have turned to other profession due to lack of incentive.
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