Traditional Pottery of Bangladesh

Introduction and Background

Pottery is the art of creating vessels and other items out of clay and other ceramic materials and then firing them at high temperatures to give them a tough and long-lasting shape. It is one of the oldest and most popular ornamental art. Things made of clay were quite popular because they were symmetrical, polished, bright, and, unless they fell, would last for a very long time.

Pottery has been around since the ancient people roamed the earth. Pottery making is one of the first human innovations, and it has advanced alongside civilisation. It has been estimated that the earliest ceramic items date around 29,000 BC. The Greeks are credited with bringing pottery to the rank of an art. Mesopotamia was the birthplace of the first potter's wheel, which was created between 6,000 and 4,000 BC. This brought about a revolution in the way ancient people could create items out of clay. 

The history of Bangladeshi pottery as an art form is an old one. After earthenware was discovered following the Mohasthangar excavation in Bogra(300 BC), Bangladeshi pottery may be traced back to the Mahenjodaro and Harappa civilizations. In Bengal, pottery most likely first appeared in or around 1500 BC. Fine clay is a distinguishing geological feature in an agricultural nation like Bengal. This natural resource was used extensively by the area's prehistoric people to produce countless pottery. During the zamindars, pottery became more widely known. Goddess sculptures, plates, and other aesthetically pleasing goods used to be ordered from them. But when the zamindar period came to an end, they began producing common household products for sale in the local markets in order to make a livelihood. 

Pottery in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, pottery-making has a long history of tradition. Since the Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilizations, pottery has been passed down through the centuries as an essential piece of art in the nation. The locals continue to pass down their survival techniques through generations despite several obstacles. The remarkable artistic abilities of people in several Bangladeshi regions, including the Savar neighbourhood of Dhaka City, Manikganj (Dhamrai), Bogura, Naogaon, and Dinajpur districts, are still evident in this empirical knowledge. The creativity, expertise, and adaptability of the artisans who have preserved their traditions over many centuries are not properly appreciated. There are places where craftsmen practise their crafts in practically all of Bangladesh's small towns and villages.

The Dhamrai pottery industry is the most renowned village for pottery in Bangladesh. In Dhamrai, there are a number of pottery villages, including Kagojipara, Shimulia Pal para, Notun bondor, etc. These communities are highly known for their pottery expertise and have served as the Pal family's home for many years. 

Rayer Bazar was renowned for its pottery during the Mughal era, and the majority of potters came from this area. This area has an enormous amount of the renowned "lalmati" (Red Clay). As a result, Rayer Bazar's potters have a long history of using red clay in their creations. 

Types of Pottery

There are three main types of pottery: Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain. The primary comparison points between earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain is the temperature at which the clay is burned and the ensuing strength, water resistance, and durability of the completed products.  

Different Pottery Items

The innumerable domestic wares prepared by potters include  household water vessel, cooking pot, big water pots,mugs, pot covers, jug, plates, cups, and vessel for scented sulphur. Clay made toys and clay fruits like palm, banana, jackfruit or mango, are popular sale items in traditional fairs and festivals. Bricks, tiles, earthenware in all shapes and sizes, idols, and toys are all produced by a large number of potters. Nowadays they are making high-quality clay products which are very popular worldwide.

Current Situation of Pottery

Ceramic and plastic are gradually displacing pottery in Bangladesh due to technological advancements. To counter this, Bangladesh's civil society, journalists, and politically aware citizens advocate for the revival of pottery and pottery making as part of the Bengali tradition. On the other hand, over the past few years, the state of pottery in Bangladesh has improved due to the introduction of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing patterns by potters. 

Pottery is now a commercial product. Any interior design can be improved by using a combination of green plants and pottery. Khumbamatkas (water pots), both glazed and unglazed, as well as bird and animal sculptures, are all created in Bangladesh and are readily available practically anyplace, including the Shishu Academy, Mirpur Road, and the Dhaka railway station. Any corner can be made more attractive on a tight budget by using locally produced earthenware in conjunction with plants, rocks, logs, and other natural accents.