Ceramic factory and shop, Avanos, Turkey

We started the day with a visit to a ceramic factory in Avanos. The ceramics are made from red clay found in the region. The clay was kneaded traditionally using the legs to turn a flat wheel (see clay representation of this, 2nd photo below) under the feet.

A master crafsman demonstrated how the clay was shaped and molded it to the desired shape, in this case, a traditional Turkish wine flask. He made pieces of it right in front of us, and joined them together to form the final shape.

The flask would would then be dried and fired in an oven. After that it would hand painted, with the final product looking like the 3rd photo below.

There were so many beautiful intricate pieces in the seemingly endless rooms adjoining the main showroom. Flasks, pitchers, urns and jars, as well as bowls. I love ceramics, and had the opportunity to see different ceramics produced in several countries: Italy, Portugal, Poland and Turkey. I particularly like the more traditional Turkish designs with tulips.

Even the side of a step was decorated with painted tiles.

I love ceramics, and had purchased small ceramic bowls and plates produced in sItaly, Portugal, Poland and Turkey during previous trips to Europe. I particularly like the more traditional Turkish designs with tulips.