Your New Source for Hand Painted Ceramics: Palestine

This week, I am delighted to share with you a few export-ready Palestinian producers that specialize in hand-painted ceramics. For those looking for either ready-made ceramic pieces or a partner for custom designs, Palestine should be top of mind as a sourcing destination.

The history of ceramics in Palestine dates to the 16th Century when Sultan Suleiman commissioned a restoration of the Dome of Rock with handmade tiles painted by Armenian potters. In the centuries that followed there were several periods of restoration during which Armenian potters were employed and brought to Jerusalem. In 1919 the first Armenian pottery workshop was established, and the modern ceramic industry grew from there.

During my recent scoping trip to Palestine with the UNDP, I found hand-painted ceramics to be one of the country’s strongest craft industries. Beyond the beauty of the work, the producers are extremely professional and experienced. Both Holy Land and Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans have been exporting for years.

I visited several artists who work for these enterprises. Their work is done in small family-owned factories throughout Hebron. Their signature lines are colorful with motifs of flowers and arabesque patterns. They use exclusively traditional methods, without modern wheels or ovens. All pieces are handmade and fired in open, charcoal-fueled kilns.

Here are the top Palestinian vendors that specialize in export-ready ceramics:

1. Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans
2. Holy Land

Please note that I am not repping these groups but was invited by UNDP to help promote the diversity of craftsmanship in Palestine and cultivate new buyer-vendor linkages.