The small Afghan village of Istalif lies about an hour’s drive from Kabul. It is perched in the foothills of the Hindu Kush, whose tree-covered slopes rise sharply from the river below. Istalif is not only a site of incredible natural beauty, but also home to a distinctive tradition of pottery-making that dates back hundreds of years.

Four hundred years ago the potter Sayyid Mir Kolal, whose surname means potter, settled in Istalif, with its rich clay deposits, abundance of water, and beautiful surroundings. To this day, the potters of Istalif believe they each descend from one of Mir Kolal’s four sons.

Pottery in Istalif is a family affair. From a young age, boys will become apprentices, training with their fathers and uncles after the school day has ended. Women are also involved in the process, applying the distinct turquoise ishkar glaze and engraving the patterns while the men prepare the clay, sit at the potter’s wheel, and stack the traditional kiln.

In Istalif, being a potter is much more than a profession — it is an identity.

Diameter: 10cm. Please note each bowl is unique and therefore slight variations in size may occur. 

Available singly or in sets of 3.

Ethos: Each purchase provides a dignified work opportunity to artisans in a country affected by war. As well as providing a fair wage, an additional 20% of the proceeds from this purchase will go to the non-profit Turquoise Mountain to help preserve cultural heritage in Afghanistan. 

Dishwasher safe. 

Standard shipping is free for domestic orders above US$50 and international orders above US$80. Orders above US$250 enjoy a complimentary upgrade to express shipping.

• UK and Singapore domestic orders are delivered in 2-3 working days.

• International orders are delivered in 10-20 working days.

• Express Shipping worldwide takes 3-5 working days.

For more information on our shipping timelines, visit here.

*Please note that Artisan & Fox cannot be held responsible for delays with the shipping process, and customers are liable for any customs duties or taxes due on their shipments.

We are happy to exchange items within 30 days from receipt of delivery. However, you will be liable for any additional delivery charges incurred in the delivery back to us.

In the event that you have received a defective item or wish to return an item, please contact our Customer Service Representative with your reason for return, at fox@artisanandfox.com, within 14 days from the day you received the parcel.

*Please note that items purchased on sale are not eligible for exchanges and returns; if you return an item to us, we will be unable to process a refund or exchange.