Boleslawiec Stoneware, referred to as Polish Stoneware in Poland and Polish Pottery in the USA, originated as folk art centuries ago in the German province of Silesia, now a part of Poland. Today in the small village of Boleslawiec (“bo-leh-swa-vee-ets”) this time honored tradition of artistically crafted stoneware continues.
Designs were originally inspired by the peacock feather (“Pfauenauge” or “Peacock’s Eye”) using the colors of cobalt blue, peacock blue and earth tones. The “Pfauenauge” became the universally accepted trademark decoration of the stoneware. Farmers made pottery in the winter, when it was too cold for outside work. They discovered a native white clay that, when mixed with water and other natural and ecological materials, then fired at high temperatures, made very strong and durable jugs for use in their own kitchens.
Today, skilled Polish artists still individually handcraft and hand decorate each piece using the centuries old technique of hand-stamping with sea sponges to apply unique and beautiful stamping patterns. Some patterns also feature added brush details. Since all pieces are hand crafted, each vary in design, pattern and color. Each piece is a unique work of art.
Our Renditions Polish Pottery is safe to use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. However, avoid extreme and sudden temperature changes (e.g. broiler, immediate refrigerator to oven, or oven to cold water). When removing your dish from the oven, remember to always place it on a hot pad, not directly onto your stove top, countertop or metal trivet. A temperature change could cause your pottery to crack.
When used in ovens, our Polish Pottery provides an even heat distribution while retaining moisture. For meat baking, we recommend adding a little water to the bottom of the stoneware.
Due to clay's natural tendencies, all foods stored in our Polish Pottery will preserve freshness for extended peiords of time.
The hard glaze finish makes cleaning your Polish Pottery easy.
As with any hand-formed and hand-painted stoneware, colors and patterns may vary.