new•blue - studio: Innovating Blue Pottery Through Material Science

new•blue - studio is a Jaipur-based design practice that represents the second major technological intervention in the history of Jaipur Blue Pottery since the 1860s. Founded by designer Disharee Mathur, the studio operates at the intersection of traditional Indian craft, material science, and ecological sustainability. By collaborating with artisans and material scientists, new•blue - studio reimagines the future of ceramics by integrating industrial waste streams—specifically rejected sanitary ware and waste from the steel industry—into the production process of traditional Blue Pottery. This participatory approach allows the studio to rethink craft from the particle level, creating a new ceramic material that addresses material deterioration and product development challenges. The work of new•blue - studio extends beyond decorative homeware to functional architecture, as seen in their passive cooling tiles. These tiles utilize the inherent material properties of their innovative ceramic recipe to absorb moisture and reduce urban heat on building facades. Based in Jaipur, India, the studio emphasizes a legacy of making with local abundance while connecting craft concentrations to landfill sites to generate value for both the economy and the environment. Through research-driven design and co-creation with the local craft community, new•blue - studio aims to refocus climate action through the lens of traditional technologies and preservation. The project has received international recognition through institutions like the Royal College of Art and has been featured in major design publications, highlighting its role as a leader in material innovation and sustainable craft practices.