Kutch Terracotta Kulhad

The terracotta kulhad cup which is traditionally used to serve a hot cup of chai, dates its origin to the Indus Valley civilization. The chai has its own special appeal when suffused with the earthy aromas from the unglazed terracotta. We have sourced our kulhads from Mr. Abdul Ibrahim who is the last potter of Khavda, a village in Bhuj, Gujarat. He is trying to continue a craft taught by his ancestors and is 5000 years old, with similar work that has also been previously found dating to the Indus Valley civilization. Beside his youngest son who might be interested, there are no takers in his family or in the village to continue on. Supported by his wife and mother, they toil hard but with great enthusiasm to make natural, artisanal terracotta pottery. The terracotta is sourced from the nearby desert and transformed into beautiful wares. It is lead free. Mr. Ibrahim’s mother and wife use natural black, red and white colors made from river rocks and clay to make lovely “prakriti” (based on nature) drawings. Frayed bamboo twigs are used as paint brushes. Given its a dying craft, and with the difficult current times he has had a lot of problems. People and businesses like our company have decided to support and promote him.