The present high standing of Polish Pottery from Boleslawiec stems from the seven centuries of work of local craftsmen and artists of pottery. Even though old pottery hardly resembled modern ceramics, both archeologists and contemporary tradesmen easily distinguish Bolestawiec Polish Ceramics from products of lesser quality. Despite the fact that only those affluent enough could afford the purchase of deluxe Bolestawiec Pottery, the fame of Bolestawiec in Poland extends well over several centuries.
The oldest extant pieces of Polish Stoneware are dated back to the first half of the 16th Century and bear distinctive features of the Renaissance style. The technique of decorating underneath the glaze begins with the age of Baroque. With this technique, decorations in the form of branches, flower, birds and religious motives were introduced onto the product before the process of burning and by means of special punches and only then the ornamented piece was covered with glaze. Often enough Polish Pottery ordered by magnates and royalty was decorated with their coats of arms. Hence, for example, the pottery made for the special of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia was decorated with his initials and the crown.
Growing popularity of Boleslawiec Pottery stimulated demand which in turn led to the growing number of manufactures set up to produce pottery. There were already 15 ceramic workshops in Bolestawiec at the beginning of the 19th century. At the same time, the insistence of royal administration led to the emergence of a tendency to alter traditional forms of Bolestawiec Ceramics so that make it resemble then fashionable china. Nevertheless, most of the manufactures showed considerable resistance to this trend and retained original well-established patterns featured by relatively thick walls and the resulting softness of lines. Punch technique remained the basic decorative technique.
Rising fame of original Boleslawiec Ceramics, which differed in style china and yet was conk1~red equally refined, made it possible to increase the volumes of production and, consequently, in the middle of the 19 century Boleslawiec became the center of ceramic industry in central Europe. In the year 1844 the Boleslawiec stoneware from Jan Gottlieb Altmann's manufacture was awarded Golden Medal on the prestigious exhibition in London. This valuable award boost the fame of Bunzlauer Ceramics and confirmed the already high standing of this ceramics on European markets.
In our Polish Pottery Online Store you will find a great selection of Bowls, from little Dipping Bowls, through small and medium Serving Bowls, up to Large Scalloped or Mixing Boleslawiec Bowls.
Polish Pottery is oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. It's also lead and cadmium-free, and chip-resistant. We offer a huge variety of Baking Dishes in all sizes such as: rectangular baking dish, casserole baking dishes with lid and many more. Additionally all Polish Pottery Dishes are covered with glaze which makes them extremely easy to wash, since nothing sticks to it. Our store offers a great variety of Dinnerware in our fabulous Kitchen and Table Category, including products like Salt and Pepper Shakers, Vinegar and Olive Decanter Sets and Napkin Holders. We must also mention our Egg Cups, which are ideal for serving soft boiled eggs. We offer an array of Coffee Pots and Mugs, as well as beautiful Pitchers.
