History of Boleslawiec Polish Pottery

Among the finest in the world, these high-quality table wares are renowned for their beautiful hand-finish, high durability, and original style. Their unique designs and patterns have made them sought after throughout the world for centuries.

Though originating in Świdnica in 1380, the first potters guild in the Boleslawiec area united around the start of the 17th century. Pieces of this era—usually pitchers or jug type vessels—are recognizable for their uniform in shape, brown glaze, and diagonal ridge patterns.

Due to the innovation of master potter Johann Gottlieb Altman in the latter half of the 19th century pieces began to be cast in the white clay of the Boleslawiec area. As well as being coated in a lead-free glaze that enabled the addition of many of the recognizable repeating circles, scales, flowers, dots, and clovers we see today through a stamping technique, unique to Boleslawiec ceramics.

1897 saw the founding of the first professional ceramics school in Boleslawiec. Their new use of stenciling techniques, matte glazes, vibrant colors, and gilding revolutionizing modern Boleslawiec pottery into what it is today.

Although most of Lower Silesia's ceramic studios and workshops were destroyed during World War II, a cooperative CPLiA was formed in 1945 along with the help of the state-run Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw to gather talented artisans and bring this exceptional ceramic artform back to it’s former glory.