Earth, water, fire

With more than 500 pieces brought together by Calouste Gulbenkian, ceramics hold a prominent place in his extraordinary collection, reflecting his particular interest in the technical, aesthetic and cultural richness of this art across the centuries.

The collection includes pieces from Antiquity—from Neo-Sumerian, Ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures—as well as works from the great centres of production in Asia and Europe, notably Persian and Ottoman ceramics, Chinese porcelain and the European manufactories, renowned for their sophistication, technical quality and artistic excellence.

Over five sessions, the course traces a journey through the history of glazes, pigments and clays, revealing cultural exchange, technical innovation and aesthetic refinement. It is a history of ancient techniques that continues to be studied and remains relevant today, shaping new forms of artistic expression.