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Jerusalem is the only place in the world where authentic Armenian pottery is still being created. It originated Centuries ago in the upland of
Turkey. The master artisans of Iznik, ancient Nicaea, famous in
the 15th and 16th centuries, influenced Armenian artists with their elegant pottery ware.
Armenian pottery development peaked in the 18th century, which was a particularly blissful
time for the Armenians living in Turkey. They were granted tax privileges and the
prohibition against building churches was repealed.
The Armenian Church grew stronger, old Churches were being restored and
new Churches were built. Contributions poured in for the beautification of the Churches.
As devoted Christians, the Armenians never forgot Jerusalem. Their workshop produced
ceramic tiles and other decorative articles to beautify the Churches in Jerusalem. |
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Decorative Ceramic Hand Painted by Armenian Artists
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| Today, visitors entering the 12th Century Cathedral of St.
James in Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter are overwhelmed by the collection of colorful square
tiles of geometric and floral designs decorating the walls. The
first Armenian pilgrims actually arrived in Jerusalem about 300 AD when they adopted
Christianity, making them the first immigrant Christians to establish their presence in
Jerusalem. Beautiful Armenian pottery exhibited in many museums and churches around the
world, from the British Museum to Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. |
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| Armenian potters arrived in Jerusalem by the beginning of
the 20th Century as a result of Turkish persecution. The Armenian potters of Jerusalem are
indeed continuing an ancient heritage begun by their ancestors. Their ceramic creations
are in great demand by the city's Jewish and Arab population and appear in public and
private buildings, in homes and gardens. Some of the most exquisite Armenian art work in
Jerusalem can be seen in the Government House, (former headquarters of the British
Mandatory Government); the tiled fountains of Beth Shalom in the Talbieh; the courtyard of
St. Andrew's Scottish Church and the wall tiles and ceramic vases in the American Colony
Hotel in east Jerusalem. The hand painted techniques have changed
little over the years. If you visited Jerusalem, you may have purchased some of this
beautiful ceramic Armenian pottery and you should treasure this piece of artwork that is
unique to Jerusalem.
If you are coming on a trip to Israel, look for the Armenian pottery
shops where you will enjoy watching the artisans making their wares. The variety raptures the eye,
from the mosaic tile to the hanging ornaments, Plates of various sizes, Bowls, Goblets, Mugs, Incense Holders,
Bottles Vases, tiles, Bells, Ashtrays and more, in traditional motifs as: Jerusalem View, Bethlehem, Holy
Family, The Miracle of the Fishes, Our Father, ornamental Flowers and more; then, take a piece of
history home with you.
By Lena Mor - Jerusalem-Gifts
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View our large collection of Armenian Pottery imported from the Holy Land
Hand Made Armenian Pottery from the Holy Land
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