When you hear the term Polish pottery, you probably imagine that this type of pottery began in Poland. Well, actually, it didn't. What is known as Polish pottery today actually began in Silesia, which was a province of Germany until after World War II. Around the 7th century, the locals began experimenting with what would be termed Bunzlauer stoneware. The name Bunzlauer comes from Bunzlau, the name of the town where this type of pottery was first created. Today, Bunzlau is now known as Boleslawiec and is located within Poland. Boleslawiec, although it has changed countries and names, remains one of the centers of the European pottery world.
Located in southwestern Poland, Boleslawiec sits on the Bobr River and is near both the Czech and the German borders. The first forms of pottery made by the natives of Bunzlau were mostly used by farmers to store grain and other things. These pieces were covered in a dark glaze that is very similar to that found in pottery made by their contemporaries in the Americas.
According to records and archaeological evidence found in the area, pottery was often sold at local markets. Over time, of course, as the needs of people changed, so did the pottery produced. By the later 1800s and early 1900s, potters had shifted the bulk of their production away from farming containers and towards pottery intended for household use. They began creating bowls, plates, platters, and other pieces of pottery designed for use in the dining room and kitchen. They also began experimenting with colors, decorations, and other techniques designed to make pottery look more appealing. In fact, in 1898, the government actually funded a ceramic training school to help potters test new techniques and to train the next generation of pottery makers.
During the early 1900s, Bunzlauer pottery underwent a renaissance of sorts. The Jugendstil movement, an equivalent of Art Nouveau, made the traditional peacock's eye design the universal symbol of Bunzlauer pottery. Also in line with the Art Deco movement, the 1920s saw more and more color being added to Bunzlauer pottery. These two art movements brought the modern design and color to Polish pottery. However, this new style of pottery would be put on hold during World War II. Follow the war, the Bunzlau would fall under Polish control, much of its German population would be relocated, the city would be renamed Bolesawiec, and the pottery factories would be reopened.
Traditional Polish pottery is still primarily made in Bolesawiec today. Many of the most skilled potters still handcraft each piece of pottery and decorate it using tiny sponges and brushes. Every part of the pattern and each color is done individually using traditional methods. In fact, those who are certified as pottery masters create signature pieces that the artist creates himself. These unique pieces of pottery take quite some time to make and are created in very limited supply. Owning one of them, however, means owning a piece of pottery that is one of a kind. Pottery is also one of the few art forms were apprentices still study under a single master rather then be trained alongside others in a classroom.
Located in southwestern Poland, Boleslawiec sits on the Bobr River and is near both the Czech and the German borders. The first forms of pottery made by the natives of Bunzlau were mostly used by farmers to store grain and other things. These pieces were covered in a dark glaze that is very similar to that found in pottery made by their contemporaries in the Americas.
According to records and archaeological evidence found in the area, pottery was often sold at local markets. Over time, of course, as the needs of people changed, so did the pottery produced. By the later 1800s and early 1900s, potters had shifted the bulk of their production away from farming containers and towards pottery intended for household use. They began creating bowls, plates, platters, and other pieces of pottery designed for use in the dining room and kitchen. They also began experimenting with colors, decorations, and other techniques designed to make pottery look more appealing. In fact, in 1898, the government actually funded a ceramic training school to help potters test new techniques and to train the next generation of pottery makers.
During the early 1900s, Bunzlauer pottery underwent a renaissance of sorts. The Jugendstil movement, an equivalent of Art Nouveau, made the traditional peacock's eye design the universal symbol of Bunzlauer pottery. Also in line with the Art Deco movement, the 1920s saw more and more color being added to Bunzlauer pottery. These two art movements brought the modern design and color to Polish pottery. However, this new style of pottery would be put on hold during World War II. Follow the war, the Bunzlau would fall under Polish control, much of its German population would be relocated, the city would be renamed Bolesawiec, and the pottery factories would be reopened.
Traditional Polish pottery is still primarily made in Bolesawiec today. Many of the most skilled potters still handcraft each piece of pottery and decorate it using tiny sponges and brushes. Every part of the pattern and each color is done individually using traditional methods. In fact, those who are certified as pottery masters create signature pieces that the artist creates himself. These unique pieces of pottery take quite some time to make and are created in very limited supply. Owning one of them, however, means owning a piece of pottery that is one of a kind. Pottery is also one of the few art forms were apprentices still study under a single master rather then be trained alongside others in a classroom.
About the Author:
The beauty of Polish pottery is undeniable. The uniqueness of each piece of hand painted stoneware is wonderful. From a one of a kind Polish stoneware plate to any other stoneware you may need.
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