On 28 September 2019, in the evening, the opening of the exhibition titled “From Kütahya to Jerusalem: A 100-Year Journey of Ceramic Mastery” took place in the Vache Manukyan Hall of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The opening of the exhibition was performed by Nshan Balian, considered the heir of the Balians and the general director of the ceramic workshop in Jerusalem.
Present at the ceremony were members of the brotherhood of the Mother See, especially since the exhibition enjoyed the high patronage of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
Let us also note that present at the ceremony were the Honorary Consul of Italy to Armenia, diplomats, cultural figures, journalists, as well as a small circle of friends of the Balian family.
On behalf of Holy Etchmiadzin, a special address was delivered by the head of the Office of External Relations of the Mother See, Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan. His Grace noted that today’s occasion is joyful and that this is not merely a ceramic exhibition, but something more. He also noted that on various occasions Turks have tried to present the Armenian art of Kütahya as Turkish, but have not succeeded, because the Armenian has its own distinct style and differs from all other types of ceramic specimens.
His Grace also emphasized the continuity of this art, stressing that this art today stands firm, is alive, breathes, and a handful of Armenians in Jerusalem, and especially the Balians, with great devotion, have been preserving this important heritage for many years.
His Grace also noted that it is likely that this artistic heritage, which came from Kütahya and continued in Jerusalem, will also continue in Armenia, and in that regard Mr. Nshan Balian has on various occasions expressed his readiness to establish a ceramic school in Armenia and to pass on that artistic heritage to the younger generations.
Concluding his address, His Grace noted that the Mother See is likewise ready to stand in support of this artistic heritage, and that there is also the intention for the exhibition opened at the Mother See to become a permanent exhibition.
After His Grace’s address, those present savored the displayed works of art and toured the various corners of the exhibition, while Nshan Balian provided the necessary explanations and generally answered the questions of the curious public.
