What is Polish Pottery?
You’ve seen in on the Internet, you’ve seen it on QVC, perhaps you’ve seen select pieces in stores or magazines. What’s all the hub bub about it and what in the world is it?
What is it?
Polish Pottery is a hand-made ceramic pottery that is hand decorated with stamps. Products range from dinnerware sets, serving pieces, bakeware, bowls, containers, tea and coffee services to accessories such as vases, pitchers and cookie jars, to name a few. What makes it distinctive is the beautiful hand-stamped designs.
Polish farmers created these traditional designs with inspiration from the peacock feather. Using the colors of cobalt blue, peacock blue and earth tones added beauty and color to an otherwise plain and simple lifestyle. Over the years the technique of using handmade stencils to create the designs has become a form of art passed down to new generations.
Is it just for show or can I really use it?
Definitely use it! It is some of the best cooking stoneware that I have ever used. I have cooked pies, lasagnas, casseroles and various other meals in them. Cooking with this pottery has exceeded my expectations. Another advantage is that I don’t need to transfer the meal to another “pretty” dish for serving.
One of my male friends asked his wife to buy some of the coffee cups because they kept his coffee warm for a long time.
Is it safe?
Each ceramic dish is made of white clay and is lead and cadium free. The pottery is usable in dishwashers, conventional and microwave ovens. It is also very easy to clean.
IMPORTANT! – Each piece has a category on the bottom. Category 1 pottery is oven safe for up to 425 degrees F and Category 2 is oven safe for up to 325 degrees F. Category 3 and above should only be used for serving.
Where is it made?
The pottery is made in the town of Boleslawiec, approximately an hour and a half drive from Dresden, Germany. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth the trip as you can purchase the pottery for less than half the retail price in the U.S., and there are many more patterns to choose from. I would, however, advise not driving your own vehicle or rental car. I have found the town relatively safe except for the persistent car thefts. You can either hire a driver or take a bus trip. The town has shops all over including the factory where the pottery is made.
Where do I get it?
Fortunately, for those of you that can’t get to Boleslawiec, it can be found on the Internet. One note of caution: having it shipped from Poland can be costly and result in damaged goods. Using a site such as allows you to find pieces available to you locally. For those of you from the U.S., you can sometimes find Polish Pottery pieces at stores such as TJMaxx, Marshall’s and Tuesday Morning.
Final thoughts
The pottery is not only beautiful for any table setting, it is also of high quality. You can stick with one pattern, mix and match patterns or just use select accessories with your current dishware. Additionally, polish pottery is a worldwide collectible that retains its value after purchase. It is definitely a pottery that you will want to hand down to your children. Whatever your need, I would highly recommend giving it a try.
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