We began at the very start of the Blue Pottery process.

The material is rolled, pressed into moulds and filled to hold its shape. Each piece is dried in the sun, smoothed by hand and coated in a soft white glaze.

It is methodical, precise and entirely handmade - a process refined over generations.

Each of us was given a tile to paint.

What defines Blue Pottery is that the colours applied are not the final result. Pigments transform entirely in the kiln:

• Black becomes indigo.
• Purple softens into blue.
• Terracotta shifts to turquoise.

There is no exact control - only understanding and experience.

Some of the pupils worked with symmetry and repeat patterns, others more freely, building delicate motifs as they went. Every piece felt completely individual. You can see the final results in the video below.

Once painted and glazed, the tiles are stacked carefully into the kiln at Ram Gopal Blue Pottery.

Over two days, the heat completes the process. Colours deepen, sharpen and settle into their final form.

This is where the transformation happens.

Workshops like this are part of my ongoing work with Vimukti Sanstha, supporting girls’ education and career development in Jaipur.

If you would like to experience the same, Ram Gopal hosts regular workshops which can be booked here.

Ram Gopal Blue Pottery, 81, Vishnu Garden, Tonk Rd, opp. Sanganer, Airport, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302029, India

+91-9887455826 / +91-9530376367

ramgopalbluepottery@gmail.com