Heritage · Sandrouni Ceramics

The complete Sandrouni Armenian Ceramic Center façade at No. 39, including its upper arched windows and balcony

Jerusalem · Since 1983

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Jerusalem’s Armenian ceramic tradition

A story shaped by the Pro-Jerusalem Society.

The story of Armenian ceramics would have been told so differently had it not been for the “Pro-Jerusalem Society”. This committee, founded by Sir Ronald Storrs, the first military governor, and his advisor Charles Robert Ashbee, undertook the restoration and preservation of Jerusalem’s historic sites during the British Mandate.

For the restoration of the centuries-old glazed tiles decorating the Dome of the Rock, the Society located David Ohannessian of Kutahya, a master ceramist whose work enhanced the splendour of palaces in Turkey, Syria, and Egypt, and was much in demand in Europe and the Middle East.

David Ohannessian established Jerusalem’s first Armenian ceramic workshop in 1919. The workshop never accomplished the restoration project for the Dome of the Rock tiles. However, it was not long before it began catering to Jerusalem’s international community as well as the elite of its local communities.

In spite of its short-lived production, from 1919 to 1948, the grace and beauty of Ohannessian’s tiles changed the face of the city by decorating its mansions, institutions, and public places, and influenced Jerusalem’s arts and crafts to the present day.

The family workshop

The people behind Sandrouni.

Four members of one family, each keeping a personal connection to ceramics, drawing, and handmade clay.

Dorin Sandrouni

Artist & Designer

Dorin studied art and design at Oranim College. After marrying George, she combined her academic knowledge with the ceramic techniques they developed together—a partnership that brought its own kind of magic to their work. Drawing on Armenian and Kütahya motifs, Dorin brings a contemporary perspective to traditional ceramics. She developed the workshop’s three-dimensional ceramic art, presented in “Dimensions of Beauty” at the Jerusalem Theatre in 2008.

Explore Dorin’s exhibition archive

George Sandrouni

Founder & Craftsman

George’s first passion was music, which he studied at the Academy of Music and Arts. His search for the missing chapter in Jerusalem’s Armenian ceramics led him to David Ohanessian’s work. Years of studying those designs and ceramic techniques became the foundation of Sandrouni’s own production. George sees that foundation as classical training: a tradition learned with patience and respect, then opened to new possibilities. The creative freedom that followed, he says, is like jazz emerging from classical roots.

Karin Sandrouni

Daughter · Next Generation

With a background in medicine, Karin remains closely connected to the workshop through pottery shaping and a keen interest in learning about the history of Armenian ceramics.

Jacqueline Sandrouni

Daughter · Next Generation

Jacqueline studied mechanical engineering and brings a love of art and making to the workshop. Through wheel throwing, she takes pieces from clay to their finished form.

The Sandrouni family smiling together on a day away from the workshop

Beyond the workshop

A family, in and out of the studio.

There is more to our story than clay and colour. We also treasure the moments we spend together away from the worktable.

The tradition in public view

From the workshop to Jerusalem’s cultural landmarks.

George and Dorin’s Tradition and Imagination was featured in the centenary exhibition A Glimpse of Paradise. Their studio also produced the ceramic panels for the Custody of the Holy Land’s entrance, bringing another artist’s designs into ceramic form.

Explore the museum exhibition See the Custody commission Read George’s Saxum interview