The comforting, earthy aroma of freshly fired pottery fills the room. The silky, gritty sensation of handling the clay calms the nerves, connecting the mind to the essence of the earth and nature through the fingertips.
Bhaktapur: The Heart of Black Pottery
Kathmandu Valley used to be a lake until 10,000 years ago. When the water drained away, it left fertile alluvium ideal for agriculture and pottery. Pottery has a long history in Nepali culture. The skills of Nepali potters have been passed on from generation to generation. Entire families trace their heritage to the occupation of pottery. The oldest recorded finds in Lumbini date back at least 2,600 years.
Clay pots and earthenware have always been extensively used in Nepal’s religious rituals. During pujas, small ceramic cups hold candles and butter lamps. Traditional Newari rice wine, Aila, uses a unique ceramic setup for distilling rice or millet alcohol. Now, people are also eager to incorporate these beautiful pieces into their daily lives.
Bhaktapur, known as the “City of Devotees,” is famous for its black pottery. When fired in a particular type of kiln, the clay turns a striking black colour, giving the pottery its unique appearance. Bhaktapur’s Pottery Square, which dates back 400 years, is a bustling hub where visitors can traditionally witness artisans shaping and firing pots.
The pottery-making culture in Bhaktapur provides a livelihood for the artisans. This traditional craft is owned by the Prajapatis, one of the caste groups of Nepal, known for their rich rituals and culture. The Prajapati are potters by caste, Newari, and indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. No Prajapati could remember a time when his or her ancestors were not working with clay. In Newar culture, being a potter is more than a profession; it is an inheritance, and today this rich heritage is at risk.
“’Black Clay’ must be brought from the field by digging out around 10 to 12 feet down to the surface and needs to be smoothed through machinery and hand processes,” explains Mohan Prasad Prajapati, one of the potters of Pottery Square.
Thimi: The Heart of Red Pottery
Thimi, another prominent pottery centre, is celebrated for its red pottery. The artisans of Thimi are known for their expertise in creating large storage jars, decorative items, and religious artefacts. The vibrant markets of Thimi offer a glimpse into the rich variety of pottery produced here.
In 1985, the estimated number of potters working there was 600, but this number has significantly fallen in the past 28 years.
The Therapeutic Nature of Pottery
Pottery making has often been described as therapeutic. The mind focuses on creation, which requires concentration and delicate work. This process attracts tourists who get to witness and even participate in making pottery themselves. This trend leads middle and upper-class people to buy pottery handicrafts, thereby increasing the sale of pottery.
Challenges in the Pottery Industry
The pottery industry faces various challenges. One significant struggle is the advent of cheap, mass-produced alternatives that threaten traditional potters. Another challenge is the lack of interest among younger generations in pursuing pottery as a profession. With limited opportunities and income uncertainty, many traditional potters find it increasingly difficult to sustain the craft.
In addition, access to raw materials has become more complicated. Daya Ram, who has been practising pottery since his mid-teens, explains, “In the earlier years, we didn’t have to buy clay. We used to collect it from the fields. But now, we have to buy it.” This has added financial burdens to an already struggling industry.
Modern Adaptations and Innovations
Generally, modern technology has been perceived as an enemy of traditional art. However, for potters in Bhaktapur, the case has been otherwise. To adapt to changing times, some potters in Nepal have incorporated contemporary designs and techniques. Earlier, earthenware was made by rotating a wooden stick on the manual wheel. However, nowadays, this is replaced by electric pottery wheels.
This fusion of traditional methods with modern aesthetics—such as clay-mixing machines, electric pottery machines, and chimneys for heating the shaped wet clayware—attracts a new generation of customers both locally and internationally. Workshops and pottery classes have been introduced to educate and inspire interest among young people.
Environmental Considerations
Pottery is also seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. By using natural clay and traditional firing techniques, potters contribute to sustainable practices. There is a growing awareness and appreciation for eco-friendly products. Even the renowned Kathmandu University of Nepal has switched to using pottery cups instead of plastic ones, which could help revive the pottery industry.
Conclusion
The echoes of our pleas filled the room as our mother resolutely declined to buy the khuturke—a clay piggy
bank—for us, despite our promises to save our pennies. Our mother and Mother Nature have a deep
understanding of us, far more than we comprehend ourselves.
Pottery is like turning nothing into something. It instils in us the strength to believe that everything has its inherent value; we simply need the vision to recognize it. This is the reason why mother and other Land share a unique bond with pottery. Just as clay, moulded with care and patience, becomes a vessel of beauty and purpose, so does a mother nurture and shape her child with love and guidance. Both create something from the earth, drawing from its raw materials to produce something enduring and meaningful.
Just as pottery is an expression of the earth’s natural beauty for our motherland, it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people. Pottery is not just about creating objects; it is about connecting with the earth, with tradition, and with each other.
By recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by the industry and encouraging innovation and environmental sustainability, we can ensure that the timeless craft of pottery continues to thrive in Nepal.
Pratikshya Bhatta is a junior editor with Nepal Connect