Boleslawiec Stoneware Kettle by Zaklady Ceramica in Poland

BOLESLAWIEC Stoneware is amongst the most renowned artisan pottery in the world. Designed and handmade in the southwestern Polish town of Boleslawiec. Polish pottery was originated centuries ago beginning with German artistic influence until Poland was liberated from Germany in 1945. Artisan ceramists from Poland began designing textiles and pottery in their own artistic visions. The city of Boleslawiec has grounds that are rich in white clay filled with feldspar and silicon. The clay baked at high tempatures is what gives Boleslawiec pottery its legendary durability in all of its wares. Boleslawiec is infamously known as the "Old Town" pottery capital of Poland. The word "boleslawiec" actually means "very famous" in Polish.
After the German occupation two major stoneware producers took flight in Boleslawiec, Poland:
Zaklady Ceramiczne-1946
Ceramika Artystycna-1950
Later-on in the city, two other bakeries surfaced:
Ceramika Artystycna/Wiz-1963
WR Ceramika-1978
Zaklady has the longest roots in Boleslawiec and are still operational today. They have employed mostly all women to be Signature and Master designers of Boleslawiec pottery. Zaklady has a very high standard for their ceramic wares. The most premium of Polish pottery items are the UNIKAT stamped pottery pieces and can only be done by a the most skilled artisans. Unikat means "unique" in Polish, which to the potters, it means the highest crafting procedures.
Boleslawiec Unikat pottery is ALL by hand, on and off a wheel and is artisan crafted.
1. Shaping and Drying:
The process begins with shaping the raw clay into various forms like kettles, bowls, or mugs, either by hand or using molds. The shaped pottery is then dried until it reaches the perfect consistency to prevent cracking or warping during firing.
2. Firing:
The dried pottery is fired in a kiln at 1652 degrees to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit. This process transforms the clay into a white, durable stoneware.
3. Hand-Painting:
Once fired, the pottery is hand-painted by skilled artisans using brushes and natural pigments. They meticulously create intricate designs, often following traditional floral or geometric patterns.
4. Final Firing:
After the painting is complete, the pottery is fired again at higher temperatures at 1745 degrees to 2336 degrees Fahrenheit to set the colors and achieve a glossy finish. This final firing enhances both the beauty and durability of the Unikat pieces.
This artisan process in Poland makes Boleslawiec pottery:
Oven safe
Microwave Safe
Freezer Safe
Dishwasher Safe
-and is safe for all foods and liquids due to being lead and cadmium free.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STOVE OR RANGE TOP OR BROILER!!!!!
This genuine Boleslawiec kettle was produced in a pattern collection named "Prairie Sunrise" and is a rare undertone base glaze (more yellow after 2012) and was designed by Beata Danielewicz of Zaklady Ceramiczne. Zaklady grades their Unikat pieces by a 'gatunek" rating of 1-5.
Gat 1 is the best quality and Gat 5 being the lowest. Also, Zaklady uses a "U rating scale" for Unikat pieces that serves as "class levels" of the designs and patterns of the artist. The levels are U2 (simplest) to U8 (complex) as well as Limited Edition Patterns that are the rarest.
U2-The least detailed and considered Standard/Traditional Level
U3 and U4-Individually elegant in style and pattern, detail took more time and on highly functional wares.
These are known as Signature Level.
U5 thru U8-Mastery of attention and detail is displayed in pattern as well as complex recurring artwork.
The time and skill that goes into each piece make it an investment, and the unique designs ensure the patterns color and rarity. These are done by the most tenured Zaklady artisans and are extremely labor intensive.
Limited Edition-
Limited edition Unikat pieces are highly sought after by art collectors. Their exquisite designs and scarcity make them desirable for many. Limited Boleslaweic are considered "museum-quality" pieces and haven't been produced since mid-2021 by Zaklady.
The Specifications for this kettle are as followed:
Pattern-First edition "Prairie Sunrise" (ART-133)
Gat 1 Quality
Grade U6
No cracks or chips-mint condition
Zaklady made kettle with hinged cover with venthole as well a strainer built into spout on inside.
Weighs 1 lb. 13 oz. empty
9" Across (spout to handle)
6" Tall
3.75" X 3.75" Base Diameter
18" circumference of body
32 oz capacity (for two)
Stamped with Zaklady brand trademark (coat of arms 2001)
marked 596-ART-133 and artist initials under lid (RS) unknown
Signed Kulka Lucyna (ball of light in Polish) and initialed KL unknown
Purchased from estate sale in Denton, TX owner still had "declared value" customs tag on when purchased and learned that the previous owner purchased item themselves on a trip to Poland:)

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STANDS IN PHOTOS NOT INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE OF THIS ITEM!

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