Armenian Ceramic Traditions

Armenian ceramic traditions have a long and vivid history, shaped over thousands of years. These traditions include a range of styles and methods that show the creativity and determination of the Armenian people. Instead of remaining unchanged, Armenian ceramics have constantly adapted, blending utility with art. From basic ancient pots to detailed decorated pieces, Armenian ceramics reflect a story of survival, change, and artistic skill.

What Are Armenian Ceramic Traditions?

Armenian ceramic tradition is the skill of shaping clay into useful and beautiful objects, a practice that started as early as the third millennium BCE. Over time, this art has changed but still keeps features that set Armenian ceramics apart from others around the world. Although Armenia experienced many invasions that destroyed much of its culture, three areas stand out for their lasting pottery traditions: Iznik, Kutahya, and Jerusalem.

Main Characteristics of Armenian Ceramics

• Distinctive designs and bright colors
• Early vessels with carvings of animals, trees, and symbols
• Special items, like the salt jars shaped as pregnant women from the 19th and 20th centuries
• Use of local techniques, such as the tonir hearth for firing

The meaning behind some items, like the salt jars, is still unclear because little record survives. Still, these objects combine usefulness with deeper cultural meaning.

Later traditions like those from Kutahya and Jerusalem moved toward more complex decoration, adding religious images, floral patterns, and lively animal scenes. The bright “Armenian bole” red, especially seen in Iznik pottery, is a well-known mark. These traditions not only catch the eye-they also help keep Armenian identity alive, even as styles changed through the ages.

Timeline of Armenian Pottery

• 3rd millennium BCE: Pottery making begins with burnished red ware
• Urartian period (8th-7th centuries BCE): High-quality, diverse ceramics; metal vessel imitations
• Middle Ages: Revival in cities like Dvin and Ani (5th-11th centuries); local painting and inscriptions
• 11th-13th centuries: Ceramic industry peaks in Ani
• 17th-19th centuries: Kutahya becomes a major pottery center
• 20th century: Armenian ceramics flourish in Jerusalem

How Did Armenian Ceramic Traditions Change?

Over time, Armenian ceramics developed alongside changes in society, faith, and politics. Each period brought new styles and adjustments, but respect for tradition stayed strong.

Oldest and Medieval Periods

• Early pottery was practical: vessels for storage and daily chores
• Decorations often showed animals, the sun, and other nature motifs
• The Urartians improved techniques by copying metal goods
• From 11th to 13th centuries, unique Armenian styles grew, using local symbols and even the Armenian script

Effect of Religion and Geography

• After Armenia adopted Christianity in the 4th century, religious art became central
• Churches used decorated ceramics for sacred purposes
• The country’s rich clay resources helped the growth of this craft
• Armenian potters helped develop Iznik pottery, known for blue and red coloring

Changes Under Ottoman Rule

• Armenians in Kutahya began leading pottery production as Iznik faded
• Kutahya pottery focused on home goods and repairs, often showing simpler designs and Armenian writing
• Islamic rules often prevented images of living beings, so Armenian potters became skilled in abstract floral and geometric patterns

Rise of Jerusalem Pottery and Modern Revival

• After the Armenian Genocide (1915), many survivors settled in Jerusalem and started new workshops
• Jerusalem artists mixed Kutahya styles with new ideas, keeping the art alive under hard conditions
• New efforts-like those by Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Zara Gasparyan-are bringing back traditional skills in Armenia today

Main Styles and Methods in Armenian Ceramics

Armenian ceramics are easy to recognize by their colors, themes, and crafting methods.

Common Motifs, Colors, and Glazing

• Floral and geometric patterns are popular
• Animal designs, such as peacocks and gazelles, especially in Jerusalem ceramics
• Religious images for churches and sacred use
• Bright colors: cobalt blue, turquoise, green, and the rich “Armenian red”
• Transparent glazes over painted designs are used to make colors vivid
• Iznik tradition used frit ware-mixing glass and clay for clear, bright results

Decorative and Practical Ceramics

Kutahya’s Long-lasting Influence

• Kutahya was a main center from the 17th to 19th centuries
• Kutahya style is simpler, often with religious or floral designs, many with Armenian writing
• Kutahya tiles decorate the Armenian Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem with colorful biblical scenes
• After World War I, many Kutahya potters relocated and shaped Jerusalem’s tradition

The Armenian Pottery Tradition in Jerusalem

• Started in 1919 by David Ohannessian and other skilled potters
• Artists overcame setbacks and introduced lively designs, such as “dancing animals” and “moving trees”
• Family studios-like the Balians and Karakashians-still work here, blending old and new designs
• This area remains a lively center for Armenian ceramics today

Where Are the Main Centers of Armenian Ceramics?

Armenian pottery began in Armenia, but important centers also grew abroad due to migrations and history.

Kutahya: A Key Ceramic City

• Kutahya is in western Anatolia, Turkey
• Had an Armenian colony since the 13th century
• Produced both home goods and church tiles, known for distinctive red and polychrome designs
• Many pieces feature Armenian script
• Industry ended after Armenians were forced to leave during World War I, leading to new traditions elsewhere

Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter

• Refugees from Kutahya founded new studios in 1919
• Armenian Quarter quickly became a hub of ceramics, with several family-run workshops still in operation
• Studios like those of the Balian and Karakashian families continue to produce authentic pottery

Modern Workshops in Armenia

• Pottery never disappeared from Armenia itself
• Modern artists and groups are working to revive old methods
• Sisian Ceramics, run by Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Zara Gasparyan, uses local clays and teaches the craft
• Other groups use classic techniques with modern designs

Armenian Ceramics in the Diaspora

• Armenian potters outside Armenia and Jerusalem also keep the craft alive
• Studios in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe continue these traditions
• Families like the Balians work internationally, showing Armenian ceramics around the world

Who Are Some Notable Armenian Ceramic Artists and Families?

The history of Armenian ceramics owes much to certain families and artists who protected and advanced the craft, both in Armenia and abroad.

The Balian Family in Jerusalem

• Neshan Balian, Sr. helped launch Jerusalem’s pottery tradition in 1919
• Setrag Balian and his wife Marie expanded the studio, with Marie introducing flowing, modern designs like “dancing animals”
• The Balians use traditional techniques, handling every stage from raw clay to finished piece
• Modern tech, like digital inkjet printing, is also used for precise patterns

Other Important Artists and Studios

• The Karakashian family, especially Mgrditch and Hagop Karakashian, run the “Jerusalem Pottery” shop
• Sandrouni and Antreassian studios, each with their own signature styles
• In Armenia, Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Zara Gasparyan make and teach ceramic art, linking ancient and new practices
• Other family businesses and individual artists continue Armenian ceramic work in many countries

Women’s Role in Armenian Ceramics

• Women have always played an important role, both as potters and as artists
• Marie Balian’s artistic changes are a good example-her new designs brought worldwide attention
• Many women work as painters and decorators in studios, handling the detailed artwork
• Unique items like the pregnancy-shaped salt jars were made by women, showing their creative input

Recent Developments and Global Impact

Armenian ceramics continue changing today, with artists trying new techniques and sharing their work worldwide.

New Art Forms and Approaches

• Artists blend modern and classic designs-sometimes abstract, sometimes sculptural
• Studios like the Balians use both hand painting and digital printing methods
• Artists like Zara Gasparyan make jewelry from clay, creating new uses for traditional materials

Festivals, Shows, and Teamwork

• Armenian ceramics are often displayed at international museums and art fairs
• Exhibitions have been held at Eretz Israel Museum and the Smithsonian, among others
• Working with designers and art institutions helps introduce these ceramics to more people
• Recent global celebrations help link Armenian potters with their heritage and each other

How Armenian Ceramics Influence Other Pottery Traditions

• Their deep history and personal stories appeal to those who want more meaningful, handmade art
• Vibrant floral patterns, animal motifs, and bold colors stand out
• As mass production increases around the world, collectors turn to these unique, handmade objects
• The efforts of families like the Balians and Karakashians encourage others to value heritage arts

How to Recognize and Care for Armenian Ceramics

To truly enjoy or collect Armenian ceramics, it helps to know their history and how to keep them in good shape.

How to Identify Genuine Armenian Pottery

• Iznik items (15th-17th centuries): look for deep blue, red, and turquoise colors; usually well-made
• Kutahya pottery (17th-19th centuries): simpler, often with floral or religious scenes and Armenian writing
• Jerusalem pieces (20th century on): styles range from formal to free-flowing with dynamic motifs
• Signs of authenticity: Armenian inscriptions or family signatures, especially from well-known studios
• Original items show detailed handwork, while mass-produced copies may lack fine details
• The safest way to buy: go to respected Armenian workshops or trusted art dealers

Tips for Keeping Ceramics Safe

• Avoid soaking or long exposure to water, especially for unglazed or older pieces
• Clean gently with a soft damp cloth; avoid rough scrubbing or strong chemicals
• Protect from sudden temperature changes, sunlight, and moisture, which can damage the pottery
• Display in secure places, away from the reach of pets or children
• Delicate or rare items may need display cases for extra safety
• When moving, use soft packing materials like bubble wrap
• For repairs, use a professional who knows how to handle ceramics

Frequently Asked Questions About Armenian Ceramics

Why are Religious and Nature Motifs Common?

Armenia’s long Christian history influenced many of its crafts, especially ceramics. Since adopting Christianity in the 4th century, religious symbols-like saints, crosses, and Bible stories-have often been shown on tiles and pots. Early and later nature designs (animals, plants, and so forth) connect to Armenia’s close relationship with the land. For example, peacocks are common and seen as a symbol of long life. Even when laws briefly stopped images of living things, floral and geometric art kept nature present through design. When those rules ended in Jerusalem, artists could freely include lively images once again.

How Are Armenian Ceramics Used Today?

• Still important for daily use: bowls, mugs, serving trays, etc.
• Many pieces are collected and displayed as art in homes or museums
• Popular as souvenirs for tourists in Armenia and Jerusalem
• Some ceramics are used in modern buildings and public art projects
• Artists experiment with jewelry and other new forms, keeping the craft current
• For Armenians abroad, these items are a direct link to their history and roots

How Are Kutahya and Jerusalem Styles Different?

• Kutahya: Known for home goods and church tiles. Styles are more straightforward, with lots of floral, religious, and polychrome designs. Many have Armenian writing. Used mostly inside Armenia and neighboring countries.
• Jerusalem: Created by Armenian refugees after World War I. These pieces show a wider range, including dynamic patterns like “dancing animals.” Jerusalem ceramics are well known around the world and are still made in several family-run studios in the Armenian Quarter.