Polish Pottery is a fine decorative collectible that is also very useful. Not only is Polish Pottery beautiful, but it is functional. It is a stoneware product so it’s tableware is dishwasher, freezer, oven, and microwave safe. But, because it is so beautiful, you won’t want to store it in a cupboard. Leave it out so that you can enjoy these beautiful collectibles!
Polish pottery
Artists decorate the Polish Pottery using “typical” Polish colors, which are known for their vibrancy. Even pieces that don’t have the same design are able to coordinate with each other because of the same vibrant colors that are used in all of the different Polish Pottery items.
The heart of polish pottery is Boleslawiec, Poland. The farmers adorn their humble tables with brightly stenciled pottery fresh out of their own kilns. Peacocks inspired the intricate stencil work of their pottery. With gentle hints of color, this pottery has been revered as one of the best in the world. Boleslawiec pottery has been around for many years. There are museums that actually have pieces of Boleslawiec pottery in their displays.
History of Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles
Polish pottery has long been regarded as unique in the pottery world. First being produced in the seventh century, the area where it originates from has changed many hands over the years. Through the numerous sacks and takeovers of the area, the pottery has remained a constant mainstay. What is it that makes Polish Pottery Collectibles so unique though?
The area of Poland from which it originates is rich in rare earth clays. These clays give the stoneware pottery a diverse composition that makes the uses of this pottery adaptable to many uses. This is mainly due to its inherent porous nature, which allows it to be used not only as an ornamental piece, but also allows for its use in cooking as well. This is a major factor in its usability as a common household item.
In the latter centuries of Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles, guilds formed to protect the knowledge of manufacturing the pottery. From Silesian to Prussian takeovers, the Germans and other occupiers, the pottery remained. All of these different peoples saw the value the pottery afforded. This was not only for this one area, but also for the rest of the world as well. After much changing of hands and displacement of the people, when conquering peoples came in, they propped the pottery making and encouraged it.
Around the 15th century and onward, the pieces of pottery began taking on a decidedly unique overtone. Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles began to appear in various courts around the European countries. This was due to its usability and vibrant color combinations. In the latter part of the 17th century and into the 18th century, a new type of pottery began to be produced. A new and delicate piece was being formed for use with a new exotic drink. Coffee was the new flavor in town and as such, customized pieces were being made. These delicate vessels were perfect for heating the coffee and serving it. This was because of the capabilities of using the pottery for cooking. As only nobility and court personalities had access to this new coffee, the pieces became more intricate and ornamental in design. Looking pretty and being useful as well, it needed to be suited for showing off and the pottery did that extremely well. Special pieces were formed, not only for the coffee, but also for the accessories such as creamer and sugar dishes.
Recent Polish Pottery History
The 19th and 20th centuries saw the distinctiveness of Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles. The main motif that is to be found on the pottery is taken from the peacock. The diverse color combinations that peacocks have became a compliment to the diverse clays used in making the pottery. The reds, blues, greens and gold colors of the peacocks were used as an inspiration to color and design the pieces that were being fashioned.
During the first and second world wars, the pottery survived. At the end of World War 2, the German occupants were removed from the territory when Poland annexed the area. The pottery industry survived and thrived throughout all of the difficult times.
Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles Today
Due to the rich and unbroken history of these pieces that are still handcrafted today, they are an invaluable asset to any collector. The traditions that made the pottery so delectable in the past are still in use today. From all over the world, these pieces are sought out, not only for their fine artistry, but also for their distinctive beauty.
The Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles are the earliest and most long-lasting line of ceramics today. Considering that they were being produced as early as the 7th century and the output of the area has remained unbroken for all of these years. Collectors seek out what pieces they can find from their humble beginnings to what they are today. No other line of ceramics aside from the Polish Pottery (Stoneware) Collectibles is able to make that kind of boast.
All of the pieces that are made today are still made by hand. Keeping the history of the creation of the pottery pieces has become a source of pride for the crafters of the collectible ceramics. From the early nobles of yesteryear to the discerning collector of today, these pieces have withstood the test of time to be one of the most sought after and renowned works available. It is no wonder that to be able to have a piece of history that not only looks nice, but is able to be utilized as well, is something that is quite remarkable.
