Reviving Armenian Heritage Through the Art of Ceramics
Community Manager
TUMO Studios, Yerevan, Armenia
Discover how Armenian ceramist Vardan Aghabekyan preserves tradition and infuses art into everyday life through his unique ceramic creations.
Ceramics have been a vital part of Armenian culture since ancient times. With an abundance of natural resources necessary for this craft, Armenia has long embraced the art of ceramics. This tradition, rooted in the Armenian Highlands as far back as the late 7th millennium BCE, has been passed down through generations, preserving its core techniques and approaches.
At TUMO Studios, we understand the importance of ceramics—not only as a craft but as a cultural phenomenon that transcends time. That’s why we’ve introduced a one-year technical ceramics course, free of charge, for young adults passionate about design and craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Vardan Aghabekyan, the founder of Majolica Ceramics and a renowned Armenian ceramist, students learn the timeless techniques of working with clay, mastering both traditional methods and modern interpretations.
Vardan’s Journey in Ceramics
Vardan’s journey into ceramics began in 2003 while studying at the Armenian State Pedagogical University. Over the years, he refined his skills, first at a pottery factory and later by teaching master classes in various educational programs. Combining handcraft techniques and the potter’s wheel, he cultivated a deep understanding of his craft.
Inspired by Italian Deruta Majolica pottery, Vardan founded Majolica Ceramics, blending his background as a painter with his love for ceramics. His unique approach involves adapting the works of Armenian artists into the majolica style, particularly focusing on symbolic and monumental art.
A Tribute to Martiros Saryan
Vardan’s experimentation led him to incorporate the works of renowned Armenian artists such as Mher Abeghyan, the Aslamazyan sisters, Minas Avetisyan, and Martiros Saryan into his ceramics. Among these, Saryan’s art stood out due to its vibrant compositions and rich color palettes that resonate deeply with Armenian identity.
Martiros Saryan (1880–1972), one of the greatest Armenian painters of the 20th century, is celebrated for his landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. His use of vivid colors creates an unmistakably Armenian palette, instantly recognizable to those familiar with his work.
To honor Saryan’s legacy, Vardan collaborated with the Martiros Saryan Museum, connecting with the artist’s descendants to create a series of ceramic collections. These pieces, including plates, vases, teapots, and glasses, bring Saryan’s iconic paintings into everyday life, showcasing the beauty of Armenian nature and culture to the world.
The Growth of Majolica Ceramics
Over time, Majolica Ceramics has grown into a collaborative team of artisans. Together, they create stunning pieces that are now featured in shops across Yerevan, throughout Armenia, and even at the Saryan Museum’s main store.
Through his work with TUMO Studios and Majolica Ceramics, Vardan continues to inspire a new generation of ceramicists, blending tradition with innovation and ensuring that Armenia’s rich ceramic heritage thrives for years to come.
