Bengali Alpona Hand-Painted Terracotta Vase

Thrown on a kick wheel from Dhamrai river clay and painted with alpona — the white rice-paste motifs Bengali women traditionally draw on thresholds at festival time, here rendered in durable mineral pigment. The lotus (padma) border is applied freehand after the first firing. Left unglazed, so the surface keeps the matte warmth of raw terracotta. Use a liner for fresh flowers.

Cooperative

Dhamrai Metal & Clay Works

Weight

2.1 kg

Origin

Dhamrai, Bangladesh

Material

Natural river clay, mineral pigment paint

Craft

Wheel-thrown clay with hand-painted alpona motifs

Dimensions

30 cm height x 18 cm diameter

Care

Dust with a dry cloth. Use a glass or plastic liner for fresh flowers, as unglazed terracotta is porous. Not dishwasher or microwave safe.

Finish

Pit-fired unglazed terracotta with mineral pigment detailing. No glaze or sealant applied.