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The Art of Polish Pottery, as we know it today, started as local folk art hundreds of years ago in the German province of Silesia . Then – the German town of Bunzlau, today – the Polish city of Boleslawiec, located on the Bobr River in southwestern Poland, is home to this traditional ceramic art. The area has a history of pottery making dating back to the 7th century.
The first known pieces of “Bunzlauer” stoneware date back to the 16th century and were crafted by hand, decorated with a folk art stamping technique employing potatoes. Farmers made pottery in the winter, when it was too cold for outside work, for use in their own kitchens. Each bowl and plate was an individual work of art. Original designs were inspired by the peacock feather – using the colors of cobalt blue, sage green and ferrous red. These designs and colors are still the inspiration for modern day patterns.
PRODUCING THE POTTERY
 Today, skilled Polish artists still individually handcraft and hand decorate each piece using small sponges to stamp each pattern and color. The stoneware is made from white clay indigenous to Boleslawiec , Poland . Molds are used for some pieces, while plates are still generally made on a pottery wheel. After the process of mixing ingredients, molding the pottery, applying the decorations and glaze, the pottery is twice fired at temperatures in excess of 1250 degrees centigrade. Decorations are under the lead-free glaze, insuring that it is non-toxic and impervious to abrasives. This firing process makes the pottery extremely durable – it will not crack or chip easily – and it is perfect for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer. Clean-up is easy with no pan preparation.
There are several factories in Boleslawiec – we currently carry pottery from three of them – Zaklady, Wiza, and our newest addition – Ceramika Artystyczna GD (CADG). All use virtually the same raw materials and time-honored techniques to craft the pottery – but each offers unique patterns and shapes to satisfy individual tastes. While traditional patterns remain most popular, there are literally hundreds of patterns produced.
SIGNATURE SERIES
 All pottery painters are trained for years and the most highly accomplished artisans earn the privilege of creating their own work from start to finish. Their pieces are signed and designated as “Unikat” which simply means “unique.” Because of the time and artistic talent required for these pieces, they are rare and command higher prices – they are truly collector’s pieces and are part of our “Signature Series.”
We hope the information provided about Polish Pottery gives you a greater appreciation for the art and beauty of our pottery along with its history. We are confident you will not only find our pottery beautiful and functional – but a treasure for years to come!
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