Zsolnary Ceramics

Zsolnary Ceramics
Pecs, Hungary
June 26

Within the walled city of Pecs, the oldest residential building dates back to 1324. It's been expanded a few times, a back end in the 1500s and a western (left, below) wing added in the 1700s. The exterior has been redone but many ancient parts of the interior have been uncovered for display.

In 1955, the Zsolany ceramics exhibit moved into this building and occupies the 2nd floor.

Zsolnay Ceramics dates back to 1851 when Miklos Zsolnay started making stoneware in Pecs. It has been handed down through the family to today and is still making everyday objects. During the heyday before WWI they specialized in ornamental art for those who could afford it. After WWII the focus changed to stoves and heat-proof tiles.

Here's some items from the display in roughly chronological order. These first few were made in the very early days of the factory.

This large vase is very very detailed with scrollwork.

Some other works were made using rice. They pushed rice kernels into the clay before glazing and when the rice burned away natural pottery peeks through the glazed surface.

This looks like "Man with cello in woods talking on cell phone".

Under Soviet rule, the factory made stoves and ceramic tiles. It does look, though as they didn't loose the flair of the decorative art they were known for.