205 - Armenian pottery - 1,000 dram 2018

The ancient clay objects found in the Armenian Highland refer to the 7th millennium BC. With gradual improvements in the potter’s craft ceramics acquired variety of forms and ornaments, thus giving rise to terracotta and colored ceramics. In the Middle Ages Dvin and Ani, the capitals of Armenia, were major centers of Armenian pottery. Here, the Armenian artisans made belt-garnished crockery and glazed faience.
From the 15th century, a settlement Kyutahia (Kutina) in historical Armenia was famous for production of Armenian ceramics. The Armenian ceramists in Kyutahia greatly contributed to the development of pottery in the region. Their works decorated many churches and buildings, were exported to European countries.
An earlier 18th century clay censer, with depiction of a cross and the Armenian scripture dedicated to the Holy Mother of God, is one example of the Armenian pottery from Kyutahia.
The clay censer is preserved in the Cincinnati Art Museum (Ohio, USA).

Obverse: the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia and national ornaments.
Reverse: the clay censer against the Armenian ornament.

Designed by Harutyun Samuelian.
Minted in the Mint of Poland.

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 31.1g
Diameter: 40x40mm
Mintage: up to 2,000 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof