Iran: Birthplace of pottery and earthenware design

Iran, with its rich and ancient history, is often regarded as the birthplace of designed earthenware utensils.

Its unique geographical location, at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and along significant caravan routes, contributed to the widespread practice of pottery making throughout the country.

Recent archaeological discoveries have identified three major regions in Iran—Lorestan, Gilan, and Mazandaran Provinces—as historic centers of pottery production.

Additionally, the provinces of Azarbaijan in the northwest, as well as Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan in the southeast have also demonstrated a long-standing tradition in this art form.

Today, the art of pottery remains vibrant in Iran, both in traditional and industrial forms.

Key centers of pottery production include Lalejin in Hamedan, Meybod in Yazd, Mend in Gonabad, and Kalporagan in Sistan and Baluchestan.

Lalejin, in particular, is renowned as one of the world's major hubs for pottery and ceramics, producing a diverse array of decorative and functional pieces.

Remarkably, this ancient craft has not only endured but also evolved, adapting to modern demands and urban lifestyles.

The persistence of pottery in Iran shows the enduring cultural significance and artistic innovation of the Iranian people.

As Roman Ghirshman, the Ukrainian-French archaeologist who specialized in ancient Persia, once noted, "The taste and talent of this people can be seen through the designs of their earthen wares."