WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL
(WCC AISBL) INTERNATIONAL
Lalejin (Iran)
Lalejin, often said to be the pottery captial of Iran, is the city of both glazed and unglazed pottery artefacts. The soil on which the city was built is rich in clay which is why the pottery industry has flourished over the last three centuries. In ancient times the early pottery of the city was purely functional, serving as life tools. However, glazed pieces began to develop in a highly intricate way often decorated with intricate patterns.
Makers also developed unique patterns reflecting nature such as birds, fish and flowers. These patterns, particular to the pottery of Lalejin, give the pieces their identity.
The city reached its peak of production about 100 years ago. In this time the makers established a tradition of drying unfired clay in glass houses to avoid the harsh sunlight which can crack the pieces while in this fragile state.
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In Lalejin, techniques have been developed which enable the skilled potter to create pieces larger than the human body. There have also been advances and innovations made in decorating the pieces, in particular, a jewelled painting style using raised enamel to depict Khataie (flowers inspired by nature) and arabesques.
The method for bisque firing in Lalejin produces high such high quality products that there is a demand for the pottery to be exported to other regions and then decorated in the local style.