Discover Indian handicrafts of Terracotta – Benefits of Earthenware, popular uses, home decor ideas with terracotta craft items and pottery
Surely you have seen Terracotta craft items – the baked reddish-brown earthenware. Do you know this humble-looking clay pottery is a regular home item since centuries? Yes, terracotta items originated around 5000 years ago. This makes it one of the oldest handicrafts of India. And, India Handicrafts offer a broad and rich historical context to the Terracotta. Even the ancient Roman Empire made use of Terracotta to create various items.
Now, the long legacy of Terracotta craft is not the only reason to make it a part of your household. Terracotta offers many more benefits for our modern lifestyle – let’s explore.
Terracotta craft
Terracotta is a porous reddish-brown clay, baked into earthenware and pottery items. In Italian language Terracotta means “baked earth”. They get their colour from the reaction of oxygen in the air and iron content present in the clay. A finished terracotta product can be glazed or unglazed.
Read more below: Are Terracotta and Clay the same?
Here are the most popular uses for Terracotta at home:
a. At the kitchen – Kitchenware, Cooking vessels, Storing jars for water
b. At the Garden – Plant pots, Lanterns, Sculptures
c. Indoors – Table décor like aroma diffuser, lampshades, Vases, Wall decor
Uses of Terracotta items
The style of clay pottery exhibits a wide range of kitchenware items. These items are crafted with authenticity and fantastic skill. Terracotta does have some nutritional values. Hence terracotta vessels and pots are used for cooking food. They make the food healthier and neutralize the pH balance eventually. Terracotta vessels are best suited for slow cooking, simmering, boiling, baking pizzas and roasting.
This heat resistant earthenware is not only ideal for storing dairy products but is the best to serve beverages. Another outstanding example of Terracotta is the modern clay pipe. These pipes protect the root intrusion and are not affected by tree roots and ground shifting.
Terracotta tiles are also an excellent choice if you wish to allure your decor and the beauty of your house. Available in an undefinable hue of colours, these tiles offer a classy look both indoors and outdoors. In terms of decor, Terracotta is a unique Craft of India that does not step back. Terracotta vases and lanterns, pots are standard. A terracotta tree, aroma diffuser and lampshades are also quite popular. They offer a fabulous look in the garden or any corner of your home.
Clay and Terracotta
Are you wondering if Terracotta and Clay are the same things or different? Both are different and desirable décor items. You see, both the clay and Terracotta make alluring decor products. These items enhance the beauty of our house. If you observe keenly, you can notice a slight variation in these materials. Firstly, clay is raw material. It originates from the rock or soil with traces of oxides, organic matter, and quartz. This clay is then shaped and fired to a high temperature to adorable clay pottery work or ceramic items.
Furthermore, you can also find India Handicrafts and other items made from Terracotta. Unlike the clay, Terracotta is purely a baked material. It is a groggy clay that produces pots, plates, etc. They are made without the Potter’s Wheel. Terracotta items are exposed to low temperatures and are often unglazed to make it absorb water.
| Clay | Terracotta |
|---|---|
| The raw material for pottery and earthenware | Finished pottery or earthenware product |
| Originates from the rock or soil with traces | Terracotta is a baked clay product |
| Moulded and shaped on potters’ wheel | Often made without potter’s wheel |
| Mostly glazed in high-temperature ovens | Mostly left unglazed, baked in low temperatures |
Craft of Terracotta
We all know, every state of India exhibits its uniqueness. Be it the culture, food, people or even pottery; every state flourishes itself in every area. Interestingly, In earlier times, people baked Terracotta in the sun instead of heating them on the fire. These include three-dimensional pieces & other sculptures or cookware. And the craft reaches to us across centuries of crafting – unique to every region and state of India. Let us take a look at what makes each state different from the other with its unmatched style of making Terracotta items.
Painted pottery from Karnataka
Khanapur of Belgaum offers an excellent range of storage and preservation jars that come in various sizes. The Bidriware reflects the great styles like Takashi, Mehtabi, Surai sheet, and Phoolzadi skillfully painted to make it alluring.
Surahi from Haryana
Surahi is extremely popular for its traditional artwork. Haryana is famous for craft of clay pottery items and its skilled artisans. Flower vases, Hookah and smoking pipes, wall decor, musical instruments, bird figurines, jewellery, and more.
Khavda Pottery from Gujarat
Would you not love to welcome your guests with such a beautiful pottery tea set? Exquisitely hand-painted, this set is coated in a thin wash of geru to make it much pleasing to the eyes.
Uttar Pradesh’s Black Clay Pottery
This art form originated from Kutch’s artistic traditions. Chunar is the style of black clay pottery that is engraved with intricate designs. Polished to get a shiny surface, these items are safe to use in the kitchen.
Rajasthan’s Molela Murtikala
There is no house in Rajasthan which is complete without Molela Murtikala on their walls. Molela Murtikala are terracotta idols on the flat tiles and plaques. Each tile reveals a different story and exhibits a unique style of art.
Why decor with Terracotta?
Terracotta is a product from the type of porous and fine clay which allows the air to circulate. The affordable craft is a common home item. As a biodegradable material, Terracotta has some real benefits. You will find them interesting, so continue reading:
Eco- friendly choice
Being made from organic materials, terracotta craft items are biodegradable – they create zero-waste. Surely, it is a terrific eco-friendly choice for your home.
Heritage value
Terracotta dates back to the excavation of Indus Valley cities. The material is existing in our homes since the start of human civilization
Natural cooler
The pores on handcrafted Terracotta naturally cool the water thereby keeping the ambience cooler. From a water-cooling jar to roof cooling material – Terracotta is one of the most sustainable and energy-saving materials of all
Flexible uses
Terracotta is highly flexible, versatile, durable and waterproof. As made from clay, they can be moulded into any shape and size. Glazing makes the mud waterproof and provides a unique texture and great appeal. Often, the finished product underwent a glazing technique to make this waterproof material. Glazing also boosts its strength, durability. The low-cost handcrafted Terracotta is a desirable addition for every home, including yours.
