Ukrainian honcharstvo

Pottery is called "гончарство" (honcharstvo), whereas ceramics is translated as "кераміка" in Ukrainian.

Ceramics, the craft of producing items from clay, is one of the forms of art appreciated to this day and is part of cultural heritage. The term itself encompasses a wide range of products, such as traditional pottery and porcelain. It was one of the earliest crafts mastered by mankind and was part of the development of our civilization. Ceramic objects, like ceramic vases, mugs, and pots, are often found by archeologists and used to study early civilizations, reflecting their progress, development, and peculiarities.

It is believed that the history of Ukrainian ceramics stems from Trypillia culture. As history follows, the development of civilizations and the emergence of ceramics are intertwined, particularly in the context of Ukrainian history. The findings of archeological artifacts and ceramics confirm that the history of Ukrainian pottery dates back to the ancient times of the Trypillia civilization and tribes, a Neolithic-Chalcolithic archaeological culture inhabited the territory of modern Ukraine from 5500 BC to 2750 BC. Historians note that ceramics and pottery were handmade in various shapes and sizes without a potter's wheel. Even then, Trypillian ceramics stood out for their design and patterns. 

Ukrainian ceramics reached a new level of development with the revolutionary invention and introduction of the potter's wheel during the period of Kyivan Rus (862-1242). Pottery became widespread handcraft, and the quality improved.

The use of the potter's wheel was believed to be introduced in the 10th century. However, the ceramics industry in Ukraine peaked in the 17th–18th centuries, marked by the emergence of ceramic production centers. In the meantime, ceramic items were distinguished by a high level of craftsmanship and new materials, embellished in various forms, colors, decorations, and ornaments such as flowers, stars, and leaves.

The shapes ranged from tableware, plates, and jugs to toys. In the 19th century, ceramics underwent regionalization. Craftsmen began using various techniques, materials, and ornament styles which varied from region to region. Eventually, pottery production declined in the 20th century due to Soviet collectivization. 

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Process

The production of Kosiv ceramics is complex. Initially, the local clay is mixed with water to reach the right consistency, shaped on a potter's wheel, then dried and covered with a 'whitewash.' Once the product dries again, it is decorated with patterns, which are etched using a metal tool. Once the items are fired in the kiln, they are painted with metal oxides, producing green and yellow colors, which are traditional for this type of ceramics. They are then fired for a final time. 

Design

The defining feature of Kosiv ceramics is its design and ornament. It features motifs that depict the Hutsuls' folklore, history, domestic life, customs, churches, biblical scenes, or the surrounding nature. Folklore is deeply connected to Hutsuls' way of life in the Carpathian Mountains, where nature plays a central role. 

The potters use a palette of three main colors: green, yellow, and brown, symbolizing the sun, mountains, and land accordingly. This is not a coincidence, as Hutsuls are highlanders who live in the Carpathian Mountains and have strong traditions associated with nature. 

Christianity, particularly Orthodoxy and Greek Catholicism, is paramount for Hutsuls, so the motifs of saints and biblical figures can be seen on Kosiv ceramics. Inspired by the surrounding nature of their region, local craftsmen depict floral and natural ornaments, such as forests, mountains, green leaves, sunflowers, and poppies.

Kosiv Ceramics is also known for its agricultural motifs, such as farming and livestock, which are also part of the region's traditions. The craftsmen depict birds, horses, pigs, or sheep. The scenes from their lives, crafts, music, or weddings can also be portrayed in ceramics.

In December 2019, Kosiv Painted Ceramics were added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage!

Process

The production of Havarets ceramics is a complex and time-consuming process. It takes 12 hours and involves firing in a wood-fired kiln, where the temperature reaches 1000°C (1832°F). Upon reaching this temperature, potters place the last load of wood into the kiln and cover it with earth to seal it. In high-temperature, airtight conditions during combustion, a reduction reaction occurs with the abundant metals in the local clay. This process gives the pottery its black color and metallic sheen.

Design

The design of Havarets ceramics combines the beauty of the region and years of family tradition as the production techniques, knowledge, and skills are passed down through generations. It is well-known for its metallic shine and black color. The ceramics are also called "gray," "smoked," "smoky," and "black-glazed" because of their distinctive design. Havarets ceramics are often jugs, plates, bowls, and pots. 

Process

The process is characterized by “milking,” dipping a piece of pottery in milk before firing it at a temperature between 250 °C and 350 °C (482°F and 662°F). The milk brightens the clay and the color of the final products, which acquire durable food storage properties.

Design

The design of Milky ceramics has a natural color and matted surface and is characterized by warm brown or beige shades. Products are often decorated with traditional ornaments and patterns and vary in shape and size.

Process

The process of producing Opishnia ceramics takes 40 days. The clay is mixed with special equipment designed specifically for mixing and preparing clay, ensuring the right consistency and removing air bubbles that can cause cracks during firing. After a few days, the craftsman shapes the product on a potter's wheel. The clay is then left to dry naturally in the open air for a week. The product is fired in a kiln at 850 to 900 °C (1562°F - 1652) and then glazed or painted and fired again at the same temperature.

The ornamental designs are painted using different ancient techniques: rizhkuvannia (creating a contour with a rubber bulb) and fliandrivka (dragging a special copper hook through the paint it while the potter's wheel is rotating).

Design

The design of Opishnia ceramics is known for particular decoration motifs: flowers, grape clusters, grain, and branches in the form of bouquets and wreaths. Final products acquire brownish-yellow, dark-orange, or bronze colors due to the type of clay used in the region and the firing process.

History

Opishnia is considered the ceramics capital of Ukraine. Opishnia is an old Cossack town located in the Poltava Oblast. Opishnia ceramics developed, in part, thanks to the natural abundance of clay in the area. This type of ceramics originated in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pottery traditions passed down by generations, unique style, and production technique. The first major pottery school was established in Opishnia, and it still remains the only place in the country dedicated to advancing pottery education.  

Ceramic figurines and toys are what brought notoriety to the Opishnia region. Animal figurines include bulls, goats, horses, and birds. The sheep and a lion are the most popular. Opishnia craftsmen also make whistle toys (zozulytsias) in the shape of a horse, rooster, ship, goat, or deer (Opishne – Life Originated in Clay).

Suggested reading:

"Ceramics," Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine.

"Opishnia ceramics," Authentic Ukraine. 

"Opishne – Life Originated in Clay," Ukrainer.net.

Kotova, Nadezhda, Spitsyna, Larissa, "Ceramics in the Burial Rites of the Neolithic-Early Bronze Age in the Ukrainian Steppe," Documenta Praehistorica; Ljubljana Vol. 37, (2010): 179-184. 

Created by CREES Graduate Assistant Andrii Drobko