What is "Gzhel"?

Gzhel, a picturesque area 50 kilometers southeast of Moscow, is known as one of the oldest and largest centers of china production in Russia, a true cradle of Russian ceramics. Gzhel is also the word for traditional Russian blue and white porcelain produced there since the 19th century - the region is famous for it.

Gzhel’s ceramic production has a long history. Archaeological research shows the first pottery appeared here already in the 14th century.

The widespread extraction of different sorts of clay began in the middle of the 17th century, but the first mention of Gzhel is found in the testament of Ivan Kalita back in 1339. This name is later repeated in spiritual writings of other knights and in the testament of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century.

In the second half of the 18th century Gzhel became famous for its vibrant folk majolica with its unique shape pitchers, kumgans and kvasniks. At the time, he formed a national character Gzhel ceramics, which determined the development of the 19th century semi- faience, pottery and porcelain.

From the second half of the 18th century Gzhel became famous for production of majolica earthenware. These were items of colour clays with bright multicolored painting over white glaze. In the 19th century Gzhel masters developed material and technology new for them: first they manufactured semi-faience, then faience, and, finally, porcelain. By 1812, there were 25 factories producing dishes.

In the 19th century in this region, there were 25 factories and products Gzhel masters called "the best of all things in Russia this kind of wares." The range was also impressive: from the red and white clay produced different varieties of everyday utensils and dishes, jars, pots, pots, and white bricks, tiles and tiles.

Gzhel ware is known for its fascinating imagery, original design, abundance of sculpted decorative detail, and age-old painting technique.