Persian Pottery: A masterpiece of pottery art

With a history going back into ancient time, Iran can be called the birthplace of designed earthenware utensils.  

Due to the special geographical position of Iran, being at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and on important caravan routes, almost every part of Iran was, at times, involved in pottery making.

According to recent archaeological findings, there were three major areas active in pottery making in Iran, including Lorestan, Gilan and Mazandaran Provinces.

Azarbaijan Province in the northwestern part of Iran as well as Kerman and Baluchestan in the southeast of the country have also shown history of pottery making.

Currently, pottery art is popular in traditional and industrial ways in Iran, and its main centers are Lalejin in Hamedan, Meybod in Yazd, Mend in Gonabad and Kalporagan in Sistan and Baluchestan.

Known as one of the major centers of pottery and ceramics in Iran and the world, Lalejin produces a wide range of potteries including a variety of decorative and consumable dishes.

The interesting point about this age-old industry is that the art of pottery has not disappeared with time and expanding urban life. It has evolved and adapted itself to the needs of today’s life.

Roman Ghirshman, Ukrainian-French archeologist who specialized in ancient Persia, described Iranians saying, “The taste and talent of this people can be seen through the designs of their earthen wares.”

More Persian handicrafts:

Rashti-Duzi

Korgi-Bafi

Haft-Rang tiles

Varni-Bafi

Papier-mache and lacquer work

Kapu weaving of Khuzestan

Pan-Bafi

Kiseh-Bafi

Darayi-Bafi

Aba-Bafi

Khorjin-Bafi

Chigh-Bafi

Sermeh-Douzi

Ihrami weaving

Gereh Chini

Varsho-Sazi

Shawl-Bafi

South Khorasan carpets

Qalamzani

Boroujerd nickel silverware

Monjugh-Duzi

Pateh-Duzi

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