Russian traditional porcelain Gzhel - location and history of production
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Russian Traditional Porcelain Gzhel: Location and History of Production
Summary
Gzhel refers to a renowned Russian national porcelain, characterized by its distinctive blue and white design, crafted and hand-painted according to ancient traditions. The emergence and development of Gzhel porcelain in the suburbs of Moscow have a rich and intriguing history, intertwined with the medieval history of Russia.
The Historical and Geographical Roots of Gzhel
Gzhel is the historical name for a group of villages located less than 100 miles east of Moscow, near the historic Kasimov Road. This area is famous for its deposits of kaolin, a white porcelain clay celebrated for its exceptional whiteness and quality. This valuable resource was utilized by Dmitry Vinogradov, the creator of imperial Russian porcelain, to produce the renowned Lomonosov porcelain in the 18th century.
The Significance of Kasimov Road
The Kasimov Road was named after the town of Kasimov, established in 1152 by Duke Yuri Dolgorukiy as Gorodetz-Mesherskiy. Initially serving as an eastern fortress on Russia's frontier, it was destroyed during the Mongol invasions in 1376. Later, it became a vital border with the Kazan Khanate. Czar Basil II the Dark strategically gifted the town to Khan Kasim, a dissident member of the Khan's dynasty who supported Russia in military campaigns against the Golden Horde. Consequently, the area became a cultural bridge between East and West, known as the Kasim Kingdom under Moscow's rule.
Trade and the Development of Gzhel Porcelain
Kasimov Road was a crucial trade route, bringing goods from Central Asia through the Caspian Sea, along the Volga and Oka rivers, to Moscow and beyond. This rich exchange of goods and cultures influenced the folk art of Gzhel.
Archaeological evidence indicates pottery has existed in Gzhel since the 14th century. In the 17th century, merchant Afanasy Grebenshchikov established a workshop producing various types of majolica earthenware using the famous Gzhel clay. Returning craftsmen subsequently set up their own majolica manufacturing facilities, spreading the craft across the region.
Global Influences on Gzhel
The tradition of painting porcelain with blue underglaze cobalt paints in Gzhel is believed by many researchers to be influenced by Chinese porcelain, conveyed via the Kasimov Road. This connection to Chinese artistry is evident in the unique style and techniques that define Gzhel porcelain today.
The Evolution of Russian Porcelain
Before Peter the Great, all ceramics in Russia were referred to as "tseninoj," a term derived from the Chinese "tsy." Russians started using porcelain in the 16th century, with notable figures like Tsarevitch John Ioannovich and Boris Godunov possessing porcelain items.
Conclusion
Gzhel porcelain stands as a testimony to a fascinating blend of local resources, historical trade routes, and global influences that have shaped its development. Its blue and white creations continue to be treasured as exquisite examples of Russian folk art, symbolizing a rich cultural heritage that has endured through centuries.
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