Reviving Georgian Ceramics: Nato's Journey Through Tradition, Innovation, and Cultural Heritage

If you ask anyone in Georgia about wine, they will likely mention the vessel that holds it. This earthenware vessel, a qvevri, is found in every home in Georgia and is a testament to Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions and enduring craftsmanship. It represents the connection between land, people, and heritage, celebrating a rich history and community in a country that has faced adversity. 

For master ceramicist Nato, these vessels go beyond function; they embody the soul of Georgian ceramics, bridging the artistry of the past with contemporary expression and channeling a deep sense of community into every piece.

Nato’s works carefully blend tradition and contemporary artistry. Her signature handmade ceramic bowl reflects the essence of ancient Georgia, featuring intricate motifs of animals and natural elements. Each piece showcases her unique ability to merge the past with the present, honoring Georgia’s rich pottery history while innovating through new ceramic techniques. 

Nato is at the forefront of Georgia's ceramic revival, preserving heritage while revitalizing ancient techniques. As an avid mentor and teacher, her story of resilience is reflected in her work. As a VAWAA master artist, she is dedicated to sharing the story of Georgian ceramics and its evolution into a meaningful tribute to the region's heritage.

Nato's Leadership in Reviving Georgian Ceramics

Georgian ceramics reflect influences from Iranian, Arabic, Russian, and European neighbors, and each piece stands out for its deep roots in ancient traditions and natural aesthetics. Crafted using local clay and methods such as hand-building or coiling, they often feature designs inspired by the country's landscapes and cultural symbols.

The earliest Georgian pottery dates to the Neolithic period (8th millennium BCE), evolving by the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE) into sophisticated, smoke-fired ceramics with zoomorphic motifs. A notable example includes vessels from the Zveli and Atskuri burial grounds (16th–15th century BCE), now housed in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Museum.

While pre-Christian ceramics were mostly unglazed, the medieval period saw widespread use of green, light blue, and burgundy glazes, often with crosses and bird motifs influenced by oriental styles. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, Georgia had around fifty pottery centers, with Gori's glazed ceramics standing out for their sculptural details and intricate designs.

The post-Soviet era left a void in Georgia's artistic landscape due to a lack of materials, diminished focus on the arts, and a halt in ceramic production. This void became an opportunity to innovate and breathe life into this cherished craft for Nato. 

Today, Georgian ceramics are experiencing a revival, with artists like Nato preserving ancient techniques while bringing contemporary innovation to this timeless craft.

Georgian ceramics atop shelves with historic motifs of Georgian identity. 

As the co-founder of the Georgian Ceramic Art and Craft Foundation and the leader of White Studio, Nato has been instrumental in revitalizing traditional ceramic culture while introducing her perspective through new techniques. 

She leads design and guides White Studio artists in translating concepts into finished pieces. In her personal work, she focuses on conceptual pieces that stand apart from commercial creations. A notable example of her artistry embodies the themes of repair and transformation. For an exhibition, she incorporated braille, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity for blind visitors. Inspired by Georgian history, nature, femininity, and community, Nato preserves tradition while crafting a visual and conceptual language.

Nato merges technique with contemporary jewelry, sculpture and installations that draws from history, nature, and femininity. 

The Role of Ceramics in Georgian Culture

The revival of ceramics has become a vital part of Georgia's cultural identity, with a new generation embracing the craft professionally and as a form of creative expression. Many young artists are now pursuing this art, opening their own studios and contributing to its resurgence. Nato celebrates this movement as a continuation of her legacy, often reflecting on her own journey as a young artist learning from master artisans. With collaboration and community at the center of this revival, Nato takes pride in fostering this spirit through VAWAA and teaching her craft to inspire the next generation of talent.

Nato with her team, collaborators and VAWAA guest Sophie. 

Nato and VAWAA: Teaching the Craft of Georgian Ceramics

Nato's excitement and work with VAWAA align with her mission to preserve and share Georgian ceramic traditions with the world. Through this platform, she reaches a global audience of curious learners. VAWAA offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing Nato to immerse students in Georgia's rich heritage and spark curiosity about this often-overlooked region.

Through VAWAA, Nato offers an immersive 1:1 apprenticeship that brings Georgian culture and ceramic traditions to life. Participants work with locally sourced Georgian clay, mastering hand-building techniques and traditional ceramic firing methods. They explore intricate Georgian pottery motifs, uncovering their historical and cultural significance, while experimenting with both ancient and contemporary ceramic design. More than just a technical experience, Nato’s guidance fosters a deep connection to the cultural heritage behind each piece, making this a truly transformative learning journey. 

A journey with Nato is more than a ceramics class—it’s an immersive experience in history, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Nato in her studio guiding VAWAA guest Sophie in the art of Georgian craft as she learns to meticulously paint detailed motifs.                

Join the Revival

Nato’s work embodies the resilience, history, and creativity of Georgian ceramics. She is at the forefront of the country’s ceramic renaissance, leading a new wave of artisans in preserving this ancient yet evolving art form.

To experience this living tradition firsthand, join her on a VAWAA and become part of the revival.

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