Nizamabad black clay pottery
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| Nizamabad black pottery | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
 | |
| Description | type of clay pottery known for its dark shiny body with engraved silver patterns |
| Type | Manufactured |
| Area | Nizamabad, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Registered | December 2015 |
| Material | black clay; zinc, tin or lead amalgam |
The black pottery of Nizamabad in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India is unique type of clay pottery known for its dark shiny body with engraved silver patterns.[1][2] It was registered for Geographical Indication tag in December 2015.[3]
The pottery are made with locally available fine textured clay. The clay moulds are prepared in different shapes and are baked in kiln. Later these clay wares are washed with powdered vegetable matter and are rubbed with mustard oil. They are decorated with floral and geometric patterned grooves using sharp twigs. They are smoke fired with rice husks in enclosed kilns which gives its unique shiny black surface. They are again rubbed with oil and baked in kiln. The grooves on clay wares are then filled with silvery powder of Zinc and Mercury, washed with water and polished again. Lead or Tin Amalgams are also used.[4] The silver powder gives shiny hue against black background of pottery.[3][5][6][7][8]
The variety of household and decorative items are made including vases, plates, pots, lamps, tea-pots, bowls, vessels, incense stick holders and statues of Hindu religious figures. Surahi, a long-necked water pot, is a popular item.[3][5]