Country Traditionals are SOLE UK IMPORTERS for "Original Bunzlau Ceramics" from Poland. We source our pottery exclusively from the Ceramika Artystyczna co-operative of artisans, the original oldest and most experienced manufacturers. Numerous prizes for superior quality of design and production have been awarded to this workshop. The prestigious Tuv quality certificate has recently been awarded to the factory. The workers have a share in the profits. The President and Export Manager of the factory are both women. The Artistic Director, a man, has been a part of the set up for more than twenty years, and has done much to preserve and enhance the superior characteristics of "Original Bunzlau Ceramics".

THE ARTISANS OF THE BOLESLAWIEC POTTERY . . .

• 70% of the workers in the workshop are women
• they undergo an artistic training of 2 years before becoming decorative artists
• all pieces are initialised by the decorative artist
• pots are fired twice at temperatures in excess of 1250 degrees centigrade , classifying it as STONEWARE rather than earthenware -this makes the pottery chip resistant, oven proof, microwave and dishwasher safe
• pieces are glazed twice by hand -the pottery is lead free and cadmium free and has passed rigorous FDA tests in the USA -plates and bowls are hand thown, other pieces are shaped with the use of moulds which have to be replaced frequently
• kilns use gas from Russia -high quality paint are used to decorate -patterns are stamped on to the pottery before firing

THE STAMP TECHNIQUE . . .

• each artist cuts the patterns he needs to use out of the dense inner core of natural sea sponges. These need to be replaced frequently
• in the old days potato pieces were used to stamp on patterns!!
• this all explains why colours and intricate pattern detail might vary from one shipment to the next
• further training elevates some to designing and decorating the intricate Unik Signature series. These pieces are signed by the decorative artist. The extraordinary detail of pattern and time consuming technique qualifies these pieces as art - the Unik series is priced above the regular series

The word ORIGINAL indicates that our pottery comes from the original manufacturer. . .

Inevitably, good products inspire imitation:

If you want to ensure you purchase the prime quality of the "Original Bunzlau Ceramics" from Ceramika Artystyczna, look out for the trademark stamped on the base of each and every piece.

Apart from its excellent durability we like to see products individually made with the love of craftsmanship foremost rather than the ubiquitous stamp of mechanisation. Each piece of pottery from the Ceramica Artystyczna workshops is made by hand to be treasured.

We hope you will enjoy it.

You can also order through our Pottery Barn in Sussex or through our secure online shop.