bluedango Bulletin

Handmade pottery from Chulucanas, Peru is world renowned, as the potters have discovered an unusual technique of painting, burnishing, and firing their pottery wares. Pre-Columbian vessels found in the burial sites of the Vicus tribe were studied and found to have been created using a negative smoke resist technique. The technique was then revisited in the 1960’s by the potters in Chulucanas. Their experimentation with the technique led to uniquely distinguishable pottery which is now sought after around the world. Now, the majority of the Chulucanas community is involved in making pottery, earning fair wages for their artwork.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The unusual technique of painting, burnishing and firing used in Chulucanas results in pottery most notably characterized by elements of stark contrast.  The pottery pieces are formed by hand, colored using lead free mineral oxides, fired, and then smoked. Smoking the pottery creates deep black and brown hues, which are then offset with contrasting colors to further emphasize the design.

You will often see Chulucanas pottery designs with white or ivory accents counterbalanced with dark backgrounds of black or brown. The inverse, where potters use the smoking process to create black or brown accents in contrast to lighter backgrounds, is also characteristic of Chulucanas pottery. In many contemporary pottery designs, potters offset the dark hues with bright, vivid colors, maintaining the contrast of color that has made Chulucanas pottery so popular.

Designs and Uses

With the variety of designs available, Peruvian pottery can make attractive home accent vases for display on tables, or in bookshelves. For decorative use, you can easily create a centerpiece using dried botanicals. Often times you will find various sizes available in the same pattern, or even complimentary patterns, so you can easily group two or more pots or vases together to create a more dramatic effect.

Potters in Chulucanas, Peru and Fair Trade

The majority of the Chulucanas, Peru community is now involved in making pottery. Handmade pottery that is produced according to fair trade standards benefits the potters and their families. Fair trade practices and payment allow Peruvian potters to maintain their craft, while earning a fair wage and the income necessary to provide the basics, such as food, health care and education for themselves and their families.

Visit bluedango.com to find Peruvian pottery and fair trade ethnic home decor.