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History of Gzhel Porcelain
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Gzhel porcelain is a very distinct form of Russian porcelain that is painted by hand using bright cobalt blue designs on a show-white background. Although this art form contains only two colors, the masters of Ghzel manage to create figurines with very lifelike and charming features. Vibrant flower and plant designs, as well as geometric ornamental motives are also very popular in Gzhel porcelain. Talented artists created depth by varying the intensity of the brush strokes. This beautiful Russian porcelain is often presented as a traditional gift.
The First Appearance of Ghzel Porcelain
This type of Russian porcelain first appeared in the 14th century when a very fine type of clay was discovered in Russia's Ghzel region. Ghzel is the most famous and oldest Russian ceramic centers. The majority of the adults living in the 30 villages in the Ghzel region during the 14th century assisted in the production of Ghzel porcelain. Artists who first experimented with this clay often chose many different colors.
Afanasy Grebenshchikov was a merchant who built a manufacturing center for this type of porcelain in the second half of the 17th century. His creations were all made with Gzhel's famous white clay. By the 18th century, shades of green, brown, yellow and blue were normally used. However, the striking effect of the bright cobalt blue against a stark white surface eventually became the color of choice. Ghzel created functional earthenware, as well as very decorative and artistic objects of beauty.
Ancient Shapes & Decorations
The most common choice of decoration for ancient Ghzel porcelain was animals, birds, trees, flowers and rustic scenes of Russian villages. Decorative figures, pitchers, plates, platters, ink pots, jugs and other decorative objects. Jugs shaped like a doughnut and mounted on four lion's paws and pitchers shaped like a double-headed eagle were very popular at the time. Each one was decorated with ornate scroll-shaped spouts and handles. Some artists even added three-dimensional vines and figures that wrapped around the neck, spout or handle of each piece.
Changes in the 19th Century
By the 19th century, Ghzel porcelain was decorated with a cobalt blue paint and then covered with a transparent glaze. Although the forms and style of these objects were very similar to the earlier types, the blue and white colors drastically changed their appearance. More floral designs began to replace many landscape scenes and empire-style vines became very popular. Designs often included symbolic designs such as a three-leaf clover or firebird. Octagonal shapes or ones with six, eight or twelve radial points were also very common.
Current Production of Ghzel Porcelain
Ghzel porcelain is currently produced in 6 main production centers, all located near the town of Ghzel which is almost 50 kilometers away from Moscow. Artists now have the freedom to paint and create without restrictions from the former Soviet government. However, they often choose to duplicate the patterns that first appeared more than 650 years ago. Each artist adds his or her personal and creative touch to each exquisite piece. As a result, no two pieces of Ghzel porcelain are exactly alike. This adds to the appeal of these remarkable art forms. If you choose to purchase a Ghzel, you will own a truly unique work of art that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world.
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