Malikzada Glazed Bowls

Designer: Malikzada Pottery
Creative Director: Madeline Weinrib
Materials: Ceramic pottery with glaze
Dimensions: Small, 4.6 x 4.6 x 1.8" / Medium, 6 x 6 x 2.5" / Large, 8.5 x 8.5 x 3.25"
Origin: Made in the USA
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Details: Food- and microwave-safe

This collection of different sized bowls glazed in the artist’s signature turquoise color was created exclusively for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to celebrate the new Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds. Malikzada Pottery is informed and inspired by the ancient techniques handed down through the centuries and now expertly and lovingly realized by seventh-generation Afghan master potter, Matin Malikzada, a humanitarian refugee recently resettled in the US.

Matin Malikzada is internationally recognized for his technical skill and elegant designs. A native of Istalif, Afghanistan, once a vibrant center of ceramic art and commerce, Matin was forced to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Along with his family, he is now resettled in Northwest Connecticut where he continues his journey as an artist.

In Kabul, Matin served as head of the Ceramics department at the Turquoise Mountain Institute, an NGO founded by King Charles III, where in his youth he studied and honed the skills inherited from his father. Upon graduating, he was hired as a Master of Ceramics, and ultimately rose to lead the department. Matin revitalized a nearly lost art of symmetrical design and turquoise glaze derived from natural pigments unique to Istalifi pottery and has trained over one hundred artisans in these ancient techniques.

As a practicing artist for nearly twenty years, Matin has exhibited his work and demonstrated his skill to heads of state, dignitaries, artists, educators, as well as museum- and gallery-goers around the world.

Malikzada Pottery is informed by the ancient techniques handed down through the  centuries and now lovingly in Matin’s hands. His work is functional as well as decorative, simple yet elegant, and glazed in hues that reflect the earth's rich, natural palette. Each piece, hand-crafted and signed by the artist, is food-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe.

Produced for The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in partnership with Madeline Weinrib, creative director for The Heirloom Project.