DescriptionThe vibrant Armenian ceramics found throughout Jerusalem’s old city represent a unique style of pottery born over a century ago and appreciated by the city’s diverse populations. Armenian ceramic artistry flourished under the British Mandate. Jerusalem Armenian ceramicists include David Ohannessian, (1884 - 1953) who established pottery in Kütahya in 1907 and is credited with establishing the Armenian ceramic craft industry in Jerusalem, as well as the Balians who came to world famous attention in 1992 when the Smithsonian Institution paid tribute to Marie Balian's work with an exhibition titled "Views of Paradise". The ceramic bell featured in the museum's collection is signed by Marie Balian, an Armenian artist and ceramic painter, especially known for her distinct and impressive ceramic tile murals. Near her signature, the bell also notes "Jerusalem" and "Jordan" in the artist's writing. The bell may have been produced in Jerusalem and sold in Jordan. Balian's contribution to ceramic arts was to introduce more Armenian cultural signifiers, such as trees, animals and birds. Balian added gazelles, birds, peacocks and other animals to what had traditionally been static compositions. Her style of ceramic arts is referred to as "Gardens and Views of Paradise" within the Armenian arts community. Wall label: The vibrant Armenian ceramics found throughout Jerusalem’s old city represent a unique style of pottery born over a century ago and widely appreciated by the Palestinian population as a whole. Armenian ceramic artistry flourished under the British Mandate. Jerusalem Armenian ceramicists include David Ohannessian (1884 - 1953) who established pottery in Kütahya in 1907 and is credited with establishing the Armenian ceramic craft industry in Jerusalem. The ceramic bell featured in the museum's collection is signed by Marie Balian, an Armenian artist and ceramic painter, especially known for her distinct and impressive ceramic tile murals. Near her signature, the bell also notes “Jerusalem” and “Jordan” in the artist's writing. The bell references the geography of Palestine prior to the 1967 war, where East Jerusalem (including the Old City) belonged to Jordan.