What is Armenian ceramics, pottery and tile?

Armenian ceramics, pottery and tile, is a style of hand painted pottery and ceramic tile making, founded in Jerusalem in the early twentieth century by three Armenian families – Ohanessian, Karakashian and Balian.

Although Armenian ceramics has its roots in Ottoman Turkey, this unique art form was established in Jerusalem when in 1919 the British government invited a group of Armenian craftsmen (master potters and tile makers) from Kutahya, Turkey, to renovate the exterior ceramic tiles of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

The ceramic tiles covering the dome needed to be replaced, and these craftsmen came to Jerusalem , set up a workshop and planned the design and renovation of the tiles. For various reasons, the project never came to fruition, but the craftsmen preferred to stay on in Jerusalem rather than go back to Turkey. Karakashian and Balian opened their joint workshop and produced their hand painted tiles and pottery for the general public.

Kutahya, a city south east of Istanbul, was a center for making ceramic tiles and pottery since the 1400’s. There was a sizeable Armenian population there, and many worked and learned the art in the potteries of Kutahya. Iznik was the more important and prestigious of the two ceramic producing cities. Beautiful Iznik wares survive today in private collections and famous museums.

Did Armenian ceramics originate in Armenia ?

Many people wrongly assume that Armenian ceramics originated in Armenia. The art of Armenian pottery and tile making has its roots in Ottoman Turkey, where Armenian craftsmen worked in the potteries of Iznik and Kutahya for centuries, up to the 1 st world war, and made their contribution to the art. In Armenia itself, there was no similar tradition of pottery and tile making. Turkish Armenians however were involved in the process for centuries.

Today, in the cathedral of Saint James in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem, Kutahya tiles can be seen adorning the walls of a small chapel. These Kutahya tiles date from the 18th century and depict biblical scenes, hand painted with beautiful colors. Some have Armenian writing describing the scenes. These tiles were brought by Armenian pilgrims coming from Turkey to visit the Holy land, and presented them as gifts to the church.

Of the original Armenian families who came from Turkey to do tile work for the Dome of the Rock, only two remain who continue this centuries old tradition of making Armenian pottery. They are the Karakashians and Balians, who work and produce their art in Jerusalem.

What are the characteristics of Armenian pottery and tile?

Typical designs are elegant long-tailed peacocks, which symbolize long life, graceful gazelles, highly decorative intertwining floral patterns, decorative birds, symmetrical floral designs, all hand painted with deep cobalt blues, greens, turquoise, browns, yellows and some pink. The most traditional color is the deep cobalt blue.

Left: Typical Armenian peacock design,
painted on a cobalt blue background

Aside from the existing repertoire of traditional designs which the families brought with them, new designs were added and adapted from local culture and the environment. The Tree of life design is one example. It is based on a mosaic floor from the sixth century, found in Jericho. Another example is the Palm tree.

Armenian decorative tiles are used to decorate walls, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, fireplace faces and surrounds, patios, table tops, and home interior decorating in general. The Karakashian family today continues this family tradition, producing Armenian pottery and tiles in their workshop on 15 Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.

There are many imitations of Armenian pottery on the market today. These wares are mass produced and of low quality. One can tell the difference between an original hand painted bowl and an imitation, by noticing the brush strokes on the original piece. The originals also have the Karakashian family signature on the back.

Written by Hagop Karakashian
Armenian tile artist