Ramjatan Prajapati, a master potter from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has dedicated over 45 years to the traditional art of pottery, a craft passed down through generations in his family. From a young age, Ramjatan learned the intricacies of pottery from his father, who was the first in the family to receive a State Award in 1978, followed by a National Merit Award in 1979. Ramjatan has continued this legacy, earning numerous accolades, including the State Merit and State Awards in 1987, the National Merit Award in 2004, and the Kala Shree Award in 2009. His craftsmanship has also been recognized internationally, with an exhibition in England four years ago.
Ramjatan is particularly renowned for his black pottery, distinguished by its intricate nakashi (carvings), a style that is unique to his work and not found elsewhere easily. Over the years, he has evolved his designs to meet market demands, transitioning from smaller items to larger, more elaborate pieces. His creations include a 4-foot flower vase that earned a state award and a 20-liter terracotta matka that became famous for its craftsmanship. His work spans a wide range of pottery items, including shanks, diyas, flower vases, dinner sets, jugs, glasses, and bottles.
Driven by a passion for his craft, Ramjatan finds great joy in teaching the next generation, ensuring that the art of pottery continues to thrive. His dream is to modernize the traditional baking process, creating a furnace that would allow for greater production while preserving the quality and authenticity of the craft.
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Ramjatan Prajapati, a master potter from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has dedicated over 45 years to the traditional art of pottery, a craft passed down through generations in his family. From...
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