Kripal Kumbh Jaipur
Kripal Singh Shekhawat, also known as the father of Blue Pottery, was born in a Rajput family in 1922 in Rajasthan. He studied original painting at Shanti Niketan in West Bengal. In addition, he did a diploma in Oriental Arts from Tokyo University, Japan. Subsequently, he started Kripal Kumbh Jaipur pottery shop.
Mr. Shekawat has revived the art of blue pottery. As a matter of fact, it has its origins in Central Asia.
The blue pottery store is in a residential house, Kripal Kumbh Jaipur. As you enter, you would be greeted by artists making the pottery . They are in the garage. As you enter the main house, you can see two rooms filled with pottery. They include vases, jars, plates, tiles, soap dishes and plates. They are all neatly arranged. You may want to pick up a beautiful vase or tiles. They are colourful with animal drawings on them.
Today, the blue pottery from his workshop are sold all over the world and displayed at many museums too. Both classical pottery designs and more modern designs are on offer.
He is said to have made many innovations with the designs. Further, he has introduced new shades like green, yellow, brown and black in the blue pottery.
For his tremendous contribution to blue pottery, Kripal Singhji was conferred the “Padma Shri” in 1974 . This is a rare honour from the government of India . He was also honoured with the title “Shilp Guru” by the Government of India in 2002. Unknown to many, Kripal Singh ji is renowned for his illustrations in the original document of the Constitution of India.
