How to use Jaipur blue pottery in your kitchen and dining decor

Jaipur’s blue pottery has flooded Indian households, but they trace back to the early Turkish era, the 14th century when the Turko-Persian technology of the blue pottery came to India. This exquisite cobalt blue work flourished in the times of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II in the 19th century when he invited skilled artisans from Persia and Afghanistan to Jaipur. In the kite festival, the king found his staff arguing with two brothers who managed to cut the kite string of all royal kites. On enquiry, and much to the king’s amusement, the Potter brothers would coat their kite strings with a blue-green glass they used to glaze their pots. Impressed, the king invited them to Jaipur and established an art school dedicated to this style of pottery.  Unlike conventional earthen pottery that uses clay, Jaipur blue pottery is made by blending quartz, powdered glass, Multani Mitthi (Fuller’s clay) and natural gum.

 
Also read: Best pottery classes in Delhi
The iconic blue, is it all? 
Renowned for the rich cobalt blue, also known as Jaipur Blue, this style of pottery in the current times also comes in a kaleidoscope of colours, including bright yellows, greens, and soft pastels shades of pink, grey and many more as contemporary artisans now explore newer hues to sustain the competitive market. Must we use this as an opportunity to use it in our kitchens and dining spaces beyond its classic blue identity?

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Designs
The motifs on the pottery can strike a resemblance to the Mughal architecture, this is because both of these emerged at the same time under the same currents. So, you can spot designs featuring floral, bird, and animal motifs as well as geometric and abstract patterns like jaali or paisley. These floral designs can include lotus, roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums and more; while the animal designs including peacocks, elephants etc. are commonly spotted.
 
Transform your kitchen with Jaipur blue pottery
1. Elegant dinnerware
Adding handicrafts to your dining experience with blue pottery plates, bowls, and serving trays can make any meal into an artistic and regal affair. 

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2. Statement wall plates,  and hanging art
Help yourself and ditch conventional paintings! To add a dynamic feel to your room, you can place decorative blue pottery as wall plates. These plates, if arranged in a beautiful coherent style, can become a focal point in the dining room.

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3. Artistic doorknobs, cabinet handles and console tables
One way of incorporating this art in your kitchen cabinetry in a subtle but statement way is by adding these accents in mundane kitchen spaces like knobs, handles or tables.

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4. Tea and coffee sets, decanters or oil dispensers 
While the world can cheap out on minute details that actually impact your setup, make sure that you sip your morning chai or espresso in luxury with blue pottery cups. Maybe even splurges on matching sugar pots, teapots, and coasters for an opulent tea-time ritual that kick-starts your day.

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5. Candle holders and incense burners
Both religious and personalised spaces can use a good candle holder or incense burning station that infuses warmth and culture into your dining area. With the aesthetics of this pottery, it can elevate the ambience for intimate meal experiences. 

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6. Kitchen jars and spice containers
Raving over Lenox spice jars? India has its own innovation: you get to store your everyday spices, pulses, and pickles in blue pottery jars that not only keep ingredients fresh but also add an old-world charm, that is a win-win!

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7. Serving trays and platters
Imagine serving snacks or appetisers in trays, platters and serving cutlery! 

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Blue pottery decor ideas for a dreamy dining space
8. Vases and planters 
For people who enjoy having plants around, bring the outdoors in with Jaipur blue pottery flower vases and herb planters. Not only can they hold fresh blooms, dried flowers, or even indoor plants but they can be a beautiful way of storing potpourri.

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9. Blue pottery centrepieces
A blue pottery tray can be functional as well as a decoration piece. You can use it to hold fruits, artisanal bread, or scented candles. 

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10. Salt and pepper shakers 
As a unique twist to a modern setup, replacing your ordinary salt-pepper shakers with blue pottery ones can help resettle the monotony. 

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11. Cutlery holders and napkin rings
Small details like adding a blue pottery cutlery holder or a designed napkin ring, can bring more to the table, quite literally. 

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12. Light fixtures and lamps
Swap out standard lampshades for handcrafted blue pottery lamps, they add a warm and welcoming essence to your dining area.

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Where to experience and make Jaipur blue pottery yourself
Places to Try Blue Pottery Making in Jaipur:

Neerja International: They also conduct workshops that can be booked beforehand.
Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre: Here you can witness artisans at work and even try their hand at creating one.
Sanskriti Blue Pottery: This has factory tours and workshops in pottery for beginners.
Kripal Kumbh: They organise many workshops, each of 2 hours or more to acquaint people with all stages of pottery making. 

 
How to style Jaipur blue pottery in modern homes?
Mixing traditional and contemporary styles
Combining traditional art forms like Jaipur blue pottery or Ajrakh rugs with minimalist or industrial decor can help you achieve a contrast that stands out. Pairing a sleek, modern dining table with vibrant blue pottery plates and candleholders can help you tune all your preferred aesthetics together.

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Using blue pottery as seasonal decor
Regular decor can be swapped on special occasions like Diwali or Christmas with blue pottery pieces to freshen up your home decor for celebrations.
Gifting ideas
Jaipur blue pottery can make a good gift for weddings, housewarming, or Diwali presents, so you can opt for a set of bowls, cute candle holders, or serving trays to your loved ones.
 
Housing.com POV
Jaipur blue pottery, while being an excellent decorative element, has more to it. This has a slice of history and a splash of colour that can add to your kitchen and dining decor. You can add elegant dinnerware, have a statement wall art, or incorporate intricate doorknobs to welcome this age-old craft to your homes. 
 
FAQs

Is Jaipur blue pottery only available in blue?

Not at all! While the famous Jaipur Blue (cobalt blue) is iconic, artisans now create pieces in greens, yellows, oranges, and even pastels. You can find a whole spectrum of colors to match your decor style.

Can I use Jaipur blue pottery for everyday dining, or is it just for show?

Yes! While it looks delicate, Jaipur blue pottery is quite durable. It’s lead-free and safe for serving dry food items. However, it’s best to avoid using it in microwaves or dishwashers, as it’s not heat-resistant like regular ceramic.

Where can I buy authentic Jaipur blue pottery?

If you’re in Jaipur, Neerja International, Kripal Kumbh, or Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre. For online shopping, check verified artisan platforms like Rajasthan Emporium, Gaatha, or direct seller websites.

Can I try making blue pottery myself in Jaipur?

Absolutely! Many workshops offer hands-on experiences. Head to Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre, Neerja International, or Sanskriti Blue Pottery for guided pottery-making sessions where you can craft and take home your own masterpiece.

What are some unexpected ways to use Jaipur blue pottery at home?

Beyond plates and vases, think door knobs, drawer pulls, lamp bases, candle holders, bathroom soap dishes, and even nameplates! You can even create a mosaic backsplash in your kitchen using broken blue pottery pieces.

How do I care for my blue pottery pieces?

Wipe them gently with a damp cloth—no harsh scrubbing! If you need a deeper clean, use mild soap and lukewarm water, but avoid soaking them for too long, as they are slightly porous.

Is Jaipur blue pottery expensive?

It depends! Small items like coasters or knobs are quite affordable, while large vases or hand-painted wall plates can be pricier due to the craftsmanship involved. The good news? You’re paying for a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece of art!

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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