Modern revival of a traditional craft
Uncover the rich history of pottery making in Bahrain while enjoying a hands-on experience at a workshop that bridges the past and present. Learn the art of crafting with your own hands and create a lasting connection to this timeless tradition.
Have you ever thought about making the coffee cup you drink from every morning with your own hands? You can do just that by visiting one of the most famous pottery factories in A'ali area, the Al-Shughul Pottery Workshop. The workshop offers visitors, both young and old, the opportunity to engage in pottery making and painting under the guidance of experienced artisans. You can also create objects like cups, piggy banks, vases, and more.
The factory features a pottery workshop, in addition to a showroom displaying pottery in various types, shapes, and sizes. Visitors can explore the entire factory to learn about the pottery-making process and can experience the joy of creating pottery themselves. The workshop is in A'ali area, renowned for its pottery, approximately 18 kilometres from the capital, Manama.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Historically, pottery makers crafted various clay vessels used in households for food and drinks. Today, they produce a wide range of modern pottery items while still preserving traditional pottery techniques. Some of the most notable ancient pottery pieces included containers for storing or drinking water, such as al-habb, al-shurbah, and al-muskhanah, as well as a vessel for making yogurt called manakhidah.
After a period of decline in the production of these traditional items due to decreased demand, the craft has seen a revival with some innovations in the designs and purposes of the vessels. For instance, al-habb, which was used to store water, has been reintroduced with a tap for drinking or as a decorative heritage piece. Other pottery items have also become prominent traditional artifacts used for decoration or as gifts.
Pottery makers have successfully evolved the craft to create various modern items that cater to contemporary needs. As a result, pottery factories are innovating and discovering new avenues for this craft while retaining distinctive traditional touches. Among the modern pottery items are stunning pieces with creative designs and vibrant colours, along with beautiful vases, incense burners, piggy banks, plates, cups, and countless decorative items, such as wall hangings and shelf displays. What distinguishes modern pottery is the enchanting aesthetic features of designs and colours that reflect Bahrain's culture, Islamic heritage, or even international occasions. For example, there are ancient pottery pieces that represent a part of Bahrain's heritage, such as al-kadu (pumpkin-shaped pots) and water jars, alongside items decorated with verses from the Quran to reflect Islamic culture. Additionally, some pieces are designed for global celebrations, like pumpkin-shaped pottery for Halloween.
Al-Shughul Pottery Workshop offers an endless variety of options, making a visit feel like a tour of an art exhibition filled with beautiful and diverse shapes, colours, and sizes. The workshop itself, established nearly 80 years ago, still retains its traditional architecture, providing a glimpse into the construction methods of old buildings in Bahrain.
Modern revival of a traditional craft
Uncover the rich history of pottery making in Bahrain while enjoying a hands-on experience at a workshop that bridges the past and present. Learn the art of crafting with your own hands and create a lasting connection to this timeless tradition.
Have you ever thought about making the coffee cup you drink from every morning with your own hands? You can do just that by visiting one of the most famous pottery factories in A'ali area, the Al-Shughul Pottery Workshop. The workshop offers visitors, both young and old, the opportunity to engage in pottery making and painting under the guidance of experienced artisans. You can also create objects like cups, piggy banks, vases, and more.
The factory features a pottery workshop, in addition to a showroom displaying pottery in various types, shapes, and sizes. Visitors can explore the entire factory to learn about the pottery-making process and can experience the joy of creating pottery themselves. The workshop is in A'ali area, renowned for its pottery, approximately 18 kilometres from the capital, Manama.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Historically, pottery makers crafted various clay vessels used in households for food and drinks. Today, they produce a wide range of modern pottery items while still preserving traditional pottery techniques. Some of the most notable ancient pottery pieces included containers for storing or drinking water, such as al-habb, al-shurbah, and al-muskhanah, as well as a vessel for making yogurt called manakhidah.
After a period of decline in the production of these traditional items due to decreased demand, the craft has seen a revival with some innovations in the designs and purposes of the vessels. For instance, al-habb, which was used to store water, has been reintroduced with a tap for drinking or as a decorative heritage piece. Other pottery items have also become prominent traditional artifacts used for decoration or as gifts.
Pottery makers have successfully evolved the craft to create various modern items that cater to contemporary needs. As a result, pottery factories are innovating and discovering new avenues for this craft while retaining distinctive traditional touches. Among the modern pottery items are stunning pieces with creative designs and vibrant colours, along with beautiful vases, incense burners, piggy banks, plates, cups, and countless decorative items, such as wall hangings and shelf displays. What distinguishes modern pottery is the enchanting aesthetic features of designs and colours that reflect Bahrain's culture, Islamic heritage, or even international occasions. For example, there are ancient pottery pieces that represent a part of Bahrain's heritage, such as al-kadu (pumpkin-shaped pots) and water jars, alongside items decorated with verses from the Quran to reflect Islamic culture. Additionally, some pieces are designed for global celebrations, like pumpkin-shaped pottery for Halloween.
Al-Shughul Pottery Workshop offers an endless variety of options, making a visit feel like a tour of an art exhibition filled with beautiful and diverse shapes, colours, and sizes. The workshop itself, established nearly 80 years ago, still retains its traditional architecture, providing a glimpse into the construction methods of old buildings in Bahrain.
A'ali
+973 39856994
Phone +973 39856994
Closed Opens Tuesday at 08:00 AM
Monday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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