History
It is thought that crude pottery making in the Silesian region may have taken place as early as the 7th century. However, according to the Muzeum Ceramika (Museum of Ceramics) in Bolesławiec, Poland, the first historical record of a potterer from the town is documented in the municipal books of Swidnica in the year 1380. Drawn by the presence of Kaolin, the fine grain native white clay found in the basins of the rivers Bobr (translated means “Beaver River”) and Kwisa, potters united to form guilds in the early 1500’s. As their skills and products improved, they became recognized and patronized by the higher classes and nobility in the area. In the 18th century, Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, is said to have commissioned many of the original designs – hand made and covered in a brown clay glaze often bearing the family crests, heraldic signs, city emblems or a variety of other designs embossed in white clay on their surface.
The biggest change in the pottery’s appearance (believed to be the foundation for today’s decorative Bolesławiec pottery) occurred at the hand of master potter, Johann Gottlieb Altman in the early 1830’s. Using the rich white clay to form the piece, he applied colorful designs of circles, dots, scales and clover leaves. Then, applying a clear stone glaze over top proceeded with the traditional firing at a very high temperature, between 2300°F - 3000°F. The result was a colorful and durable work of art on the white background provided by the native clay.
In 1897, the Professional School of Ceramics was established in Bolesławiec. The many technological advances and innovative methods taught helped town of Bolesławiec to earn the reputation, “town of good clay” in the region.
In 1936, a cooperative of six ceramics workshops, entitled “Bunzlauer Brannzeng” was formed by the Professional School of Ceramics. Many wonderful pieces were produced during this period, giving Bunzlauer Pottery a reputation highly regarded in the ceramics community today. However, World War II took its toll on the Bolesławiec ceramics industry. The ceramic workshops were destroyed.
In 1946, efforts began to revive the ceramics industry in Bolesławiec. Over time, new cooperatives were formed and the skilled and talented potters in the region began rebuilding the pottery industry in Bolesławiec to what it is today.
Want to learn more? Visit the Muzeum Ceramika website at http://muzeum.boleslawiec.net/en/permanent_exhibitions/ where you can see examples of the rich heritage of ceramics production in the Bolesławiec area.
Traditional Series
Today’s Traditional Patterns are the evolution of the original efforts of J.G. Altman. Using the “punching” technique of hand stenciling, highly skilled artists create an array of designs and colors inspired by the local environment and culture, as well as nature.
Unlike the series of patterns, there is no limit in production for these patterns, and the largest pool of artists combine to satisfy the demand. Their prices represent the base price for our selection of Polish pottery. Considering the value, Traditional Patterns are a great place to start or enhance a collection.
Unikat Series
Unikat (meaning “Unique”) Patterns take artistry to the next level, not only for the consumer, but for the artist as well. As an artist’s skills progress, they are encouraged to progress to a higher level with the challenge of the Unikat patterns. These designs display more intricate detail and incorporate a greater number of elements and colors. Identified by the “UNIKAT” stamp on the bottom, sometimes above the artist’s initials or name, these patterns are more time and labor intensive, involving greater stamping skills and in many cases, hand painting. Our selection of Unikat patterns is affordable at the mid-level price point.
Signature Series
Artists achieving the highest level of artistic accomplishment, the true “masters” of their art, earn the privilege of creating their own designs from beginning to end. Since these artists are responsible for the painting of every piece produced with this design, it limits the supply, making them treasured collector items. Signature Products bear the UNIKAT stamp on the bottom along with the signature of the artist. The painstaking attention to detail and design is evident in the beauty of each Signature piece. Each piece is a work of art and shows the finest designs currently coming from the Bolesławiec ceramics community. Our selection of Signature patterns are still reasonably priced at a level twice that of a like item in a Traditional Pattern.
The Production Process
The extremely high quality of today’s Bolesławiec pottery can be attributed to the materials, the highly skilled local artists, and processes developed and refined over hundreds of years. The fine grain white clay, Kaolin, is of such high quality it is used to make fine porcelain dishes as well. Once processed to the right consistency it begins its metamorphosis from earth to heirloom quality stoneware. Either molded or formed on a potter’s wheel, the piece is air dried, trimmed and cleaned, then pre-burnt in preparation for the application of the final design. Originally stamped or “punched” using vegetables (primarily the potato), the artists’ tools have evolved to longer lasting media like sea sponges or rubber stamps. This time consuming process may require from one to ten different sized or shaped stencils to fill the ceramic’s surface design. Moreover, the number of punches may reach into the thousands on a particular piece. Many of the patterns require hand painted, brushed on detail as well.The paints used are completely non-toxic, free of lead and cadmium.
Once entirely painted with a non-toxic paint, the piece is submerged in a vat of glaze and fired in coal and gas kilns at temperatures ranging between 2300°F - 3000°F for twenty hours before cooling on racks. Once cooled, each piece is cooled and graded to insure consistently high quality prior to shipping.
Each piece of Polish pottery is a unique piece of handmade functional art capable of everyday use, yet worthy of display in a prominent position in the home.
The Advantages of Polish Pottery
- Dishwasher, microwave, freezer & oven safe
- Non-toxic, free of lead and cadmium – Safe to use with any food.
- Extremely durable – the glaze resists chips and scratches.
- Easy to clean – the glaze provides excellent food release properties.
- Retains heat and cold for extended periods
- Excellent heat distribution helps food retain moisture in cooking.
- Fruit & fresh foods remain fresher for extended periods of time when stored in the Polish Pottery.
- Heirloom Quality – made to be passed down from generation to generation!
Care and Use of Your Pottery
Guidelines to keep your pottery in excellent condition:
You may safely use ceramics in the microwave for up to 4 minutes and in a conventional oven at temperatures up to 350°F. Never place your pottery directly on a hot stovetop burner!
While Polish Pottery is extremely durable, it should not be taken directly from the freezer and placed into a hot oven. In addition, frozen food should not be placed in a hot piece of pottery. Always allow cooling or warming to room temperatures before heating in an oven or placing in a freezer.
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