- German Life - June/July 2002 - there is an article about Bunzlau stoneware on page 44 (Bunzlau is the German name for Boleslawiec, where our favorite "Polish pottery" is made).
- Cottage Style Magazine #26 - pg.14 Decorating Solutions ~ Lighten Up! 10 Quickest Ways To Breeze Into Cottage Style
- Taste of Home's Quick Cooking. Rectangular baking dish containing Santa Fe Enchiladas (how's that for a cultural mix!!) and it's on page 38 of the May/June 2000 issue.
- The New Cooks' Catalog, copyright 2000, Burt Wolf (ed.). (Burt Wolf is one of the world's best-known food journalists and TV personalities.) On page 264, among the recommended items under the chapter "Baking Dishes and Molds" is a picture of an oval baking dish from Ceramika Artystyzna, with a full description. The lady who submitted this sighting to me said that viewing the baker in the book prompted her to research and begin to collect Polish pottery! Isn't it great to see that Polish pottery is gaining recognition in the cooking community, too!
- MadTV, 1/27/01 show. There was a bit about a backyard potluck meal. There in the middle, front of the table was a medium rectangular baking dish in green onion or Olde Poland pattern!
- Friends. Is it possible? I have recieved reports of Polish pottery gentleman's coffee mugs used on the show (in Monica's apt.)
- Oprah Magazine, November 2000 - a Clinique ad with Niki Taylor (the model) holding a pottery vase w/flowers
- Southern Living, September 2000 - Page 102, a casserole is featured in a polish pottery rectangular baker
- Woman's Day Specials - Kitchens and Baths - Innovative Series Volume X, Number 4, Fall 2000 (Display until 11/21/00). On page 97, there is a kitchen armoire in the bottom right side of page with several pitchers, bowls, and a vase.
- Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, Country Kitchen Ideas, Fall/Winter 2000 (Display until 10/23/00). On page 72, there is a creamer and sugar sitting on the table. This magazine also had some neat ideas for showing off or displaying your kitchen collectibles.
- Country Almanac Summer 2000. On page 55 - see the pitcher in the top of the cupboard.
- An older issue of Country Collector, Summer 1998. A nice ONLINE article, with info about Bavarian folkart, Bunzlauer pottery (aka our favorite "Polish" pottery), and other European treasures.
- The Magazine Antiques, July 1997, pp. 88-95
- German Life, October/November, 1996, pp. 14-15
- Antiques and Auction News, September, 2002 (Cover Story), Southeastern College Art Conference Review, vol. 13, no. 2, 1997, pp. 121-31
What IS it about that pottery that makes fans and
addicts of 1st time users?
If you own any Polish pottery you know what I mean! The combination of beauty, functionality and durability make this high-fired, hard-working pottery a faithful servant in your kitchen. It will last for years, and is highly collectible. If you are "into" Unikat patterns, you've got sure-fire heirlooms, as they are made in limited quantities. Please read on for a little HISTORY, followed by info about the PROCESS used to make the pottery, then today's USAGE and a short section on POTTERY SITINGS IN MAGAZINES AND BOOKS.
CLICK to take a factory tour! You may also click the links below for LARGE pictures of the process:
"Dough" making / Smoothing & Finishing / Painting / Glazing
HISTORY OF THE STONEWARE
The present high quality of Boleslawiec pottery comes from centuries of work by local artisans. The first known pieces date back to the 16th century and were crafted in the Renaissance style. Later, the decoration was put underneath the glazes. Frederick the Great, King of Prussia had his own initial and crown decorating his personal "Polish Pottery".In the beginning of the 19th century, "china" became a sign of wealth and luxury. Local craftsmen were urged to discontinue or alter the traditional folk art patterns to better resemble fashionable china with its elaborate and elegant motifs. Most of the manufacturers resisted and retained the original well-established folk-art designs.
The traditional Bunzlauer pottery that we love today has long been crafted in the same area. Once upon a time it was known as the German province of Silesia, now a part of Poland (called Slask in Polish). Designs were originally inspired by the peacock feather using the colors of cobalt blue, peacock blue, and earth tones. Farmers made pottery in the winter, when it was too cold for outside work, for use in their own kitchens. They were instrumental in creating a statement of strength and beauty in each piece of their tableware. Today's pottery is still individually handcrafted and hand painted with the same pride and care used over a century ago, preserving the charm of Old Central Europe. Antique Boleslawiec stoneware can be seen in museums, antique shops, and in private collections throughout Europe.
GO HERE TO READ FASCINATING INFO ON POLISH CUSTOMS AND HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE YEAR!
THE PROCESS
This fine stoneware is made of white clay, fired in coal and gas ovens at temperatures in excess of 1350 degrees centigrade. It has a lead-free glaze, is non-toxic and impervious to abrasives. The high firing temperature insures that this pottery is extremely durable and will not crack or chip easily. Today, artists decorate these pieces using paint brushes and the same unique punch or stamp technique used for centuries. Each piece of pottery is crafted as a singular work of art and retains the charm of old masterpieces. A winning combination of function and beauty make this pottery a striking addition to any home and an exquisite part of any collection!
SIGNATURE SERIES / UNIKAT PIECES
Highly accomplished artisans earn the privilege of creating their own work from start to finish. They sign this work, "UNIKAT." Translated, this means simply "unique." UNIKAT pieces are rarer, more artistic in design and command higher prices. These are the most collectible items.
TODAY'S USAGE
Boleslawiec pottery is lead- and cadmium-free, with decoration under the hard, scratch-resistant glaze. The high firing temperature and the fine white clay make these ceramics perfect for use in the freezer, microwave, oven and dishwasher. You will be amazed at how easy it is to clean - even baked on foods wash off easily. The ultimate destination for the pottery is meant to be your family's table - for beautiful food service.
POLISH POTTERY - FEATURED IN DECORATING MAGAZINES!
I'll keep an eye out and post links to magazines which reference our favorite pottery in pictures or articles! Please e:mail me with information if you can add to the list! Thanks to some great customers for these recent sightings!
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