Facebook: Armenian Ceramic Tile and Murals of Jerusalem - Balian
Email: nbalian@yahoo.com
Instagram: armenianceramicsbalian
Website: http://www.armenianceramics.com
The story of Armenian pottery and ceramics is enchanting and worth documentation for its unique history and development. The art and craft of ceramic tiles and pottery, especially decorated ones, did not exist in Jerusalem prior to the arrival of the Armenians. Commissioned to renovate the ceramic tiles of the Dome of the Rock by the British government during the Mandate period, the Balian and Karakashian families moved from Turkey to Jerusalem to commence the work.
The Jerusalem Armenian pottery and ceramics industry was therefore born in 1922 when both families established their businesses and began pioneering the production of high quality and decorative ceramic pieces. Surviving multiple wars and cycles of violence in the city, the Balian factory and shop on Nablus Road has been producing exquisite products and receiving guests for 90 years. Nishan Balian is the current manager of the factory he inherited from his late grandfather and father, who played a key role in keeping this legacy alive in Jerusalem.
Ballian’s business strategy is not to try to appeal to tourists who are looking for cheap souvenirs, but instead to set a high standard for work that attracts clients with an awareness of the quality and authenticity of his products. He sets important criteria for testing the authenticity of pottery in Palestine. If it has the Balian or Karakashian name, then you have a high quality product that is carefully designed and produced. This respect for the heritage and history of the craft lends the products of the Armenian ceramics factories a charming and authentic appeal, and the craftsmanship that has gone into them is apparent.
The Balian factory and shop are open to visitors wishing to view the pottery and ceramics products. In addition, the factory caters to clients in Palestine and the world, and has created masterpieces in every corner of the globe, which you can view online by visiting their website and Facebook page.
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Other Services: Customised ceramic design.