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". 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.