Terracotta products from Gorakhpur come under a Geographical Indication tag
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Terracotta is an ancient art form and the expressions of creativity of Human mind . The use of five elements: air, water, earth, fire and ether in this art form lend it to air of mystery and creation
Terracotta products are a major source of income for the residents of Aurangabad(Uttar Pradesh) area in this district
“The process of GI certification for terracotta products is underway. It will benefit the artists and those involved in its trade in national and oversees market,”
It is a type of ceramic pottery . The word “terracotta” comes from Italian words where 'terra' means 'baked’ and 'cotta' means 'earth' . The colour of terracotta is natural brown - orange/red . The reason for this distinct colour is that the iron content in this clay reacts with oxygen and give it a hue that ranges through reds, oranges, yellows and pinks .
It was the only clay product that were used until around the 14th century and so 5000 year old sculptures were discovered by the archaeologists . Any shape can be given to the sculpt very easily by this terracotta clay . Once shaped , it’s heated to 1000-2000 F to harden . Then, a simple coat of glaze can make it watertight .
It is a porous clay and can be used glazed and unglazed . But one coat of glaze is needed to make it waterproof . Primitive pieces of terracotta were just left to harden and bake it hot sun , but later pieces were fired in the ashes of fires . It can withstand varied temperature changes and a lower chance of cracking, making it incredibly functional .
One of the most thrilled creation of terracotta was seen in Terracotta Army . The huge group of sculpture made up of terracotta represents the army of the first Emperor of China i.e. Qin Shi Huang . Those were found in 1974 by Chinese farmer as they dug a well .
Terracotta is also used to many different things like toys, tiles, colours & many more product.
Written by Prachi Baranwal
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