Ceramika Artystyczna and PotteryFaire
The History. Bolesawiec stoneware originated as folk art in the early 1800’s in the German province of Sileasi, now a part of Poland. Inspired by the peacock feather, farmers created a statement of strength and beauty in each piece of their tableware. To depict patterns distinctive to the Sileasa region, they arranged large blue and green eyespots and variations on their pieces. Today in the small village of Bolesawiec, Poland, skilled artists individually handcraft and hand-paint each piece of pottery using a hand-stamping technique and free-hand design. Museums and private colletions through out Europe display antique Bolesawiec stoneware.
Boleslawiec Artists. Many cooperatives work in Bolesawiec today, but the finest stoneware comes from the cooperative known as “Boleslawiec Ceramika Artystyczna”. The Ceramika Artystyczna factory employs approximately 300 craftsmen and currently offer over 1200 different shapes in over 5000 beautifully different patterns. Excellent craftsmanship is their trademark, and they stamp each piece with their unique seal. Since each piece is an individual artwork, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Durability and Beauty. Created from white-clay and fired at temperatures in excess of 3000 degrees, this stoneware is lead and cadmium free. It is safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave and oven. It is also impervious to abrasives. It is extremely durable and will not crack or chip easily. We call it “useful art” as it is perfect for either everyday use or for decorative display. Boleslawiec stoneware IS NOT Pyrex or Corning Ware. If food is frozen in the stoneware, it must be thawed before placing it in the oven. Placing a frozen casserole or dish directly in the oven will cause an extreme temperature change and may crack the stoneware.
PotteryFaire. PotteryFaire is an import business owned and operated by Jack and Mary Lou Faires. They have collected Polish stoneware since 1992, and established their company in 2001. Today PotteryFaire is the largest importer of Polish Pottery in the United States and focuses exclusively on wholesale sales. They offer retailer friendly programs designed to maximize retail sales of this beautiful and useful stoneware.