Going potty

HOT STUFF

Since Khurja pottery is mostly associated with factory-produced, low-cost pottery, there has been concern for preserving its skills, as well as upgrading both quality and glazes.

Spearheaded for most part by Navina Jafa, the auction on March 9 will be held at the Convention Hall of The Ashok in New Delhi, and participants who haven't been invited can register for attendance through the purchase of a Rs 700 catalogue that has been specially prepared for the auction.

Alternately, they can register and make their bids telephonically (Navina Jafa, mobile: 98101 50152).

Among artists who have painted pots specially for the occasion are Satish Gujral, Anjolie Ela Menon, Jatin Das, Aparna Caur, Muzaffar Ali and other artists, as well as the master potters of Khurja, and those who have been working in stone with the foundation in Agra.

The range of pots to be auctioned varies hugely in the estimated prices, but in case you're more concerned with going back with something that's not burdened by variables in cost, there is a huge range of specially developed square dinnerware in black and white (the house colours of sponsor Jack Daniel's) as well as other collectibles that are on view that evening and on sale from March 10-16 in the hotel's tea lounge.