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Armenian Pottery
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 They were granted tax privileges and the prohibition against building churches was repealed.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.
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.
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, and take a piece of history home with you.
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.
By Lena Mor - Jerusalem-Gifts
View our large collection of Armenian Pottery imported from the Holy Land Armenian Pottery
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