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Gzhel painting on the finest porcelain is an old traditional and honorable craft. A complex system of artistic techniques varies depending on the artist’s style. Bunches of flowers, picturesque landscapes, the wealth of animal and plant life, images of people, diverse patterns astonish with shades of cobalt blue on white porcelain. The color combination of blue and white is recognizable in many countries as a characteristic feature of Gzhel painting. Not only Gzhel dishes are world-known. The assortment includes magnificent figurines, vases, chandeliers, clocks, mantelpieces.
The name of the famous craft appeared thanks to the region of its origin. Gzhel is known for its high-quality clay, glorious traditions of its processing and talented craftsmen who laid the foundation of the Russian painted ceramics. The invention of a new technology of processing of glazed earthenware and porcelain in the XIX century provided an impetus to the development of new painting techniques. It was then that a recognizable look of Gzhel pottery was formed. Painted in blue with fine line details on a light background, it gained popularity soon.
The manufacturing process includes several stages and can only be carried out by professionals. First, a gypsum mould of the future product is lathed on a special machine that looks like a potter's wheel. An experienced craftsman works the mould surface. Next, a figure caster pours liquid porcelain mass into the prepared mould. The porous gypsum absorbs excess moisture, while the porcelain hardens and takes the form of the mould. After a prebaking procedure has been performed, painting with cobaltous oxide starts. At the final stage, the final baking of the finished product is performed.
Painting is considered to be the most important stage of the manufacturing process, when the porcelain acquires its soul that is done by skillful brush strokes of a professional artist. Complementing each other, painting and shape are combined in a single entity. The pattern amplifies the shape, emphasizing details and contributing to more solidity.
The main paint is cobalt diluted with water to achieve varied blue hues. While painting is done, patterns look the same color, but after the baking procedure the diversity of colors provides a product with a distinctive appearance.
The art of making brush strokes evolving into the finest and hardly visible curves and light scattering of twigs, leaves and berries allows to create delicate patterns and intricate designs. Bright flower petals make up into a gorgeous bunch of flowers. The shades of blue accentuate modeled details, making the image alive. A netlike pattern of thin lines and dots is a favorite technique, often used as the background for basic elements.
Creating amazing aesthetic products, artists look for inspiration in beauty of the natural world. Traditional painting motifs include intertwining leaves and blooms, birds and famous Gzhel cockerels. The tail of the bird is associated with a large flower, the body is its bud, the chest looks like a drop-shaped petal. The cockerel is the embodiment of nature, joy of life and splendor of existence.
The Russian Souvenir store offers a wide range of ceramic and porcelain Gzhel products. Enjoy special plastic forms, amazing designs and patterns, unique colors of the most fragile and elegant Russian souvenir!