Five generations of red clay.
Our family has thrown pots on this square since before the 1934 earthquake. Water pots, curd bowls, the little diyo lamps for Tihar. Now we also teach, and make pots that people design themselves.
Kumale Tole.
Pottery Square sits just south of Taumadhi, under the carved windows of old Newar houses. In the mornings the stones disappear under rows of drying pots; by afternoon they are stacked in straw for the kiln.
Our workshop is the one with the blue door in the north-east corner. Come and watch before you book.
Who you'll meet.
Hari Prajapati
Started on his grandfather's stone wheel at eight. Throws every commission, and teaches the evening class.
Sabita Prajapati
Runs the tasters and the glaze room. Endlessly patient with first-timers and their wobbly first bowls.
Bishnu Kaji
Fires the kiln every Friday, as he has for thirty years. Can tell the temperature by the colour of the flame.
Three weeks, five steps.
Dig & wedge
Red clay from the fields of Thimi, soaked in pits, sieved and kneaded by foot until it is smooth.
Throw
Centred on the wheel, opened and pulled up. A gaagri takes Hari about six minutes.
Dry
Ten days in the square's sun and shade, turned every morning so it dries evenly.
Trim & glaze
Feet trimmed on the wheel, handles added, then dipped in glaze, leaving bare clay below.
Fire
Every Friday to 1,200°C. The kiln cools for two days; we open it on Sunday morning.
Before you come.
Do I keep what I make in class?
Yes. Choose your best piece, we trim, glaze and fire it, and you collect it after the next Friday firing. We can ship it within Nepal for Rs 600.
Can children join?
From age 8, with an adult on the next wheel. Book them as an extra person.
Are your pots food-safe?
Stoneware with our glazes is food- and dishwasher-safe. Red terracotta is perfect for water and curd but not for the dishwasher.
What if I'm leaving Nepal before my pot is ready?
We ship abroad by post, carefully packed. Ask us for a price; it depends on the size and the country.
Can we book a private class?
Yes, for 4 to 8 people, any day. Send us a message.