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 BOLESLAWIEC Boleslawca Polish Pottery Daisy Spoon Rest New $9.99 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 41m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Polish Pottery Dinner Plate Art 135 Boleslawiec Scene $39.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 18m Buy It Now for only: $52.00 |
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 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery 16 oz Bubble Mug Stoneware UNIKAT EVAS COLLECTION $25.19 Time Remaining: 11d 7h 30m Buy It Now for only: $25.19 |
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 Polish Pottery Ceramika Boleslawiec 0804 166 Wine Stopper 2 3 4 High by 1 1 2 $24.08 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 17m Buy It Now for only: $24.08 |
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 Polish Pottery Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware Miniature Tea Set 13 pcs Blue White $14.99 Time Remaining: 24d 10h 43m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery 16 oz Bubble Mug Stoneware UNIKAT EVAS COLLECTION $25.19 Time Remaining: 23d 8h 27m Buy It Now for only: $25.19 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $21.20 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $21.20 |
 Polish Pottery Loaf Pan Stoneware Boleslawiec Unikat $33.50 Time Remaining: 22d 18h 49m Buy It Now for only: $33.50 |
 POLISH POTTERY BOLESLAWIEC EGG CUPS SET OF 2 STONEWARE HAND MADE NEW $9.99 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 7m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $15.90 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $15.90 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.60 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.60 |
 Boleslawiec Polish 20 Liter 53 Gal Fermenting Crock Pot WITH Weighing Stones $164.95 Time Remaining: 7d 8h 54m Buy It Now for only: $164.95 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $27.70 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $27.70 |
 POLISH POTTERY BOLESLAWIEC LADY SALT OR PEPPER SHAKER STONEWARE HAND MADE NEW $10.99 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 49m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $16.60 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $16.60 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.60 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.60 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Water Milk Pitcher $35.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 42m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 |
 Polish Pottery Stoneware Boleslawiec Spoon Rest $14.10 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 34m Buy It Now for only: $14.10 |
 Polish Pottery Dessert Plate 77 Stoneware Boleslawiec $13.20 Time Remaining: 24d 11h 2m Buy It Now for only: $13.20 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $21.20 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $21.20 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.00 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 |
 BOLESLAWIEC POLISH POTTERY GRAVY SERVER $21.99 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 6m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Plate UNIKLAT Evas Collection $17.99 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 3m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Water Milk Pitcher $34.19 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 3m Buy It Now for only: $34.19 |
 Polish Pottery Spoon Rest from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $9.50 Time Remaining: 11d 12h 54m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.00 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.00 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery 10 oz Bubble Mug Stoneware UNIKAT EVAS COLLECTION $17.99 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Plate UNIKLAT Evas Collection $17.99 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 3m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $15.90 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $15.90 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $11.00 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 |
 POLISH POTTERY BOLESLAWIEC RECTANGULAR BAKER STONEWARE HAND MADE NEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 32m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 Polish Pottery Round Serving Tray from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $45.60 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $45.60 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $36.00 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 2m Buy It Now for only: $36.00 |
 POLISH POTTERY BOLESLAWIEC RECTANGULAR BAKER STONEWARE HAND MADE NEW $22.99 Time Remaining: 27d 10h 57m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 Polish Pottery Quiche Dish Scalloped Pie Boleslawiec $36.30 Time Remaining: 24d 6h 48m Buy It Now for only: $36.30 |
 Boleslawiec Polish 15 Liter 40 Gal Fermenting Crock Pot WITH Weighing Stones $144.95 Time Remaining: 7d 8h 51m Buy It Now for only: $144.95 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $29.90 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $29.90 |
 Wiza Polish Pottery Unikat Mug Gold Flowers 8 oz Boleslawiec Ships Free In USA $23.98 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 29m Buy It Now for only: $23.98 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $33.15 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 3m Buy It Now for only: $33.15 |
 Polish Pottery Spoon Rest from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $29.00 Time Remaining: 24d 8h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 Polish Pottery Round Serving Tray from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $45.60 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 7m Buy It Now for only: $45.60 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $16.60 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $16.60 |
 Polish Pottery Quiche Dish Scalloped Pie Boleslawiec $36.30 Time Remaining: 24d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $36.30 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $14.60 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $14.60 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $16.60 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $16.60 |
 Polish Pottery Ceramika Boleslawiec 0727 169 Mercedes Divided Platter 10 3 4 In $73.00 Time Remaining: 27d 6h 43m Buy It Now for only: $73.00 |
 New Boleslawiec Stoneware Spoon Holder Polish Handcrafted Pottery Gift $19.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 23m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $47.60 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 3m Buy It Now for only: $47.60 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $47.60 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 3m Buy It Now for only: $47.60 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $23.70 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $23.70 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $14.60 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $14.60 |
 Polish Pottery Round Serving Tray from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $45.60 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $45.60 |
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 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $59.00 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 2m Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 9 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $53.20 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 25m Buy It Now for only: $53.20 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 8 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $77.90 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $77.90 |
 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $39.20 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $39.20 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $43.00 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $43.00 |
 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $29.90 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $29.90 |
 Polish Pottery Spoon Rest from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $34.50 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 4m Buy It Now for only: $34.50 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 8 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $44.90 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $44.90 |
 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $36.30 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $36.30 |
 Polish Pottery Serving Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 15m |
 Polish Pottery Round Serving Tray from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $52.70 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $52.70 |
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 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $20.80 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $20.80 |
 Polish Pottery Ceramika Boleslawiec 0352 169 Butter Deep Dish 2 Cubes $65.34 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 33m Buy It Now for only: $65.34 |
 Polish Pottery Spoon Rest from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $18.50 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 4m Buy It Now for only: $18.50 |
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 Polish Pottery Ice Cream Cereal Bowl from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $29.90 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $29.90 |
 Authentic Polish Pottery Bowl 375 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Stoneware $15.60 Time Remaining: 13d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $15.60 |
 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $36.20 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $36.20 |
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 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $36.20 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $36.20 |
 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $36.20 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 23m Buy It Now for only: $36.20 |
 Polish Pottery Heart Shaped Plate from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $49.00 Time Remaining: 19d 7h 23m Buy It Now for only: $49.00 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $59.00 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 2m Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 9 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $85.20 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 25m Buy It Now for only: $85.20 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Water Milk Pitcher $34.19 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 9m Buy It Now for only: $34.19 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $38.00 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $38.00 |
 Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Stoneware Water Milk 2 L Pitcher EVAS COLLECTION $53.99 Time Remaining: 17d 13h 56m Buy It Now for only: $53.99 |
 Polish Pottery Divided Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $43.50 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $43.50 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 8 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $42.00 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $42.00 |
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 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 9 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $48.90 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 25m Buy It Now for only: $48.90 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 9 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $48.90 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 25m Buy It Now for only: $48.90 |
 Polish Pottery Fluted Bowl 475 from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $14.60 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $14.60 |
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 Polish Pottery Ceramika Boleslawiec 0804 169 Royal Blue Patterns with Blue New $22.00 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 18m Buy It Now for only: $22.00 |
 Polish Pottery Square Serving Tray from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $89.00 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 29m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 |
 Polish Pottery Ceramika Boleslawiec 0501 162 Creamer Cow 1 3 Cup Royal Blue $40.69 Time Remaining: 28d 5h 29m Buy It Now for only: $40.69 |
 Polish Pottery Serving Dish from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $48.00 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 50m Buy It Now for only: $48.00 |
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 Polish Pottery Spoon Rest from Zaklady Boleslawiec Polish Stoneware $34.50 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 5m Buy It Now for only: $34.50 |
Boleslawiec Polish
The Roots of the US Polish Pottery Obsession
Many have asked me and how Polish Pottery came to the US, and why more people aren't familiar with it. While the history of Polish Pottery stoneware in the US may seem young, it has a rather long and eventful history! Americans first began to collect this beautiful, elaborate, and high quality stoneware shortly after the Berlin Wall fell. It was not long after this that American military wives, stationed in Germany, began to more easily cross the Polish border to visit the small town of Boleslawiec, where the history of Polish Pottery has its roots. It quickly became popular for the military wives to take overnight bus tours to Boleslawiec, where they would disembark in the small, and at-first, unsuspecting town in the wee morning hours. With numerous ceramic shops lining the streets, these women would trek through the streets of Boleslawiec for nearly twelve hours, returning to the bus with boxes full of their new dinnerware to surprise their husbands with! These bus trips were not for the casual shopper. The tours guaranteed at least two seats per passenger (one for the shopper, and one for their new treasures!), and required shoppers to sleep almost two full nights on the bus (one on the way there, and one on the way back). When these military families were transferred back across the US border, they brought home cabinets full of this colorful pottery, and thus the Polish Pottery craze began!
The local Boleslawiec stoneware shop owners have quickly learned that Americans are hungry for their beautiful patterns and high quality stoneware, and there has been a large increase in shapes and patterns now available. And what's not to love? Besides being a piece of art, the Polish Stoneware is microwave, oven, and even dishwasher safe!
But where and when did the craft of Polish Pottery stoneware begin? Historians suggest that the Polish Pottery art form began as early as the 7th century, where it was a craft of the Silesian region. A thin layer of white clay was first discovered along the Bobr River, in the town of Bunzlauer (later called Boleslawiec). In the 14th century, the towns' farmers, who were generally out of work during the winter months, began crafting storage jars from this clay. Their unique painting methods (using potatoes as "stamps") set them apart, as well as their finishing with a chocolate colored glaze. These pieces were for typically for personal use, but were also sold in the local markets.
In the 19th century the focus shifted, and artists began to craft the local clay into functional dinnerware pieces used for dining and display. In 1898, the local government established "Keramische Fachschule" (Ceramic Technical Training School), to assist with developing the beautiful art. The "Peacock's Eye" became the recognized trademark of Polish Pottery—a pattern that is reminiscent of the eye of a peacock feather—and is still the most common and traditional pattern available.
During World War II pottery production was halted, and the town of Bunzlau was annexed to Poland, and the Germans expelled. It wasn't until the 1940's that the art form was strongly revived, and artisans began to decorate the wares with new patterns, colors, and improved techniques.
Presently, Polish Pottery stoneware is still handcrafted exclusively in this region of Poland, where over ten different factories are producing the well known Polish dinnerware. Some companies are large and well established, such as the Zaklady Ceramiczne factory, which has been producing quality wares since 1947. Others are small operations with only 3 or 4 family members painting equally impressive and beautiful pieces. Polish Pottery is now painted free hand and hand stamped with sea sponges, instead of the earlier method of potatoes. These sponges hold the bright colors and allow for very intricate and elaborate patterns.
Like all crafts, there are beginning artists as well as highly trained and experienced artists. Only the most experienced artists paint "Unikat" ("unique" in Polish) or "Signature" pieces, which are signed pieces that boast the elaborately detailed patterns that Polish Pottery is now famous for.
So, whether you are an experienced collector with military roots, or one of the many now-converted (and potentially obsessed) collectors residing in regions around the world, you can pride yourself in knowing that you own a piece of history. In an age where dinnerware companies come and go (invariably producing their wares in an automated Chinese factory), it is a good feeling to know that your investment in beautiful and functional Polish dinnerware is helping to preserve a rich cultural art that lives on in the Southwest region of Poland.
About the Author
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Alisa Lybbert has been a retailer and obsessed collector of Polish Pottery for eight years, and sells a large selection of Polish Stoneware on her website, http://Northstar-Treasures.com. She can be reached at 801-210-1510, or at info@northstar-treasures.com
Polish Pottery Question?
is there a difference between manufaktura boleslawcu and boleslawiec?
And if so, which is more valuable?
Ooook, that's actually a linguistic question;) That is exactly the same thing! Polish language is based on suffixes to show the relations between words.
So "bolesławcu" means = manufaktura W bolesławcu, Manufacture IN Bolesławiec. And "Bolesławiec" it's just the city's name!:)
So that is exactly the same thing.
Ceramika Artystyczna, Boleslawiec Polish Pottery