our history
Brains Behind Tiger Ceramic Versatile India
It was the time of Mohammed-bin-Tughlak, when some of the potters’ families moved from Delhi to Khurja. Afghani potters’ families started their work on red pottery. Sheikh Amanulla with his other potter friends and their families moved on to introduce blue glaze on red clay articles with on engobe of white clay, painting floral designs with cupric oxide and applying a soft glaze containing glass and borax.
One historic family of potters Sheikh Amanullas Family was a terracotta pottery artisan who learnt this art from his forefathers who it seems came in the 15th century in India. Sheikh Amanulla had two sons Sheikh Abdul Hafeez & Sheikh Abdul Majeed. Sheikh Abdul Hafeez used to make pottery. He started working on red pottery. He became popular for his pottery art in other states of India. His art of making utensils became most popular and he continued to work upon it.
Sheikh Abdul Hafeez flourished his thoughts and started M/s National Pottery in the 18th century. He went to Awadh in 1883 with his family artisans by Bullock Cart and reached there in 5-6 days. They exhibited their art and were given 1st prize.
His family has a Historical Pot (5’6”height) in their custody. It seems that their forefathers made four such identical pots– first one is in London Museum, second one in Lahore Museum, third one in Hyderabad (India) museum and fourth one with the family in Khurja in their Zarif Pottery.These pots were it seems were designed in 1880’s.
achievements
A Pottery Artisians Family of Khurja with 600 Years History In Hand. TIGER CERAMIC VERSATILE INDIA, the Pioneer of Ceramic Pottery in City Of Ceramics, Khurja. Sheik Abdul Hafeez and Moulvi Abdul Majeed kept on receiving awards for their unique artwork.
In 1902, 1st prize from Indian Arts Exhibition, Delhi
In 1885, Sheikh Abdul Mazid got 1st prize medal in Lucknow Exhibition
In 1886, Prize from Colonial & Indian Exhibition, London
In 1894, prize from Victoria, Queen of Great Britain & Impress of India, Simla Art Society
in 1883, 1st prize from the King Sawai Jaipore
In 1921, prize from U.P.Co-operative , Allahabad
In 1927, 1st prize in Meerut Nauchandi
In 1950, 2nd prize at the London Exhibition at the time of TAJPOSHI of George Sixth.
In 1911, Sheikh Abdul Mazid in London
Exhibition received 2nd prize
Family members have preserved an antique watch presented to their forefathers
