Gzhel (Гжель) ceramics are one of Russia's most distinctive cultural heritages, widely known for their beautiful blue ornamentation on a pure white base. Gzhel originates from a region located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Moscow, a region known since the 14th century as a center for producing high-quality clay. The name "Gzhel" was first mentioned in historical documents in 1339, and from the 17th century onward, the region began to develop as a center for ceramic production, primarily for medical and household purposes.
1) Gzhel Fish Ceramics Documentation by Kora27 - CC BY-SA 4.0 via commons.wikimedia.org
2) Gzhel Ceramics Documentation by Лапоть - CC0 via commons.wikimedia.org
Originally, Gzhel ceramics were made using the majolica technique, a technique where earthenware clay is coated with a white glaze and painted with colors such as blue, green, and yellow. However, in the 19th century, artisans began to turn to porcelain and developed the blue-on-white painting style that has become its hallmark today. The primary pigment used is cobalt oxide, which, when fired, produces a bright, intense blue. Interestingly, when this oxide is first applied, it appears black. It is only during a second firing at high temperatures that it transforms into the distinctive Gzhel blue.
1) Gzhel Ceramics Documentation by learnrussianineu.com
2) Documentation of Gzhel Ceramics by Russia Beyond The Headlines
Gzhel ceramics are made entirely by hand, from molding and drying to painting and firing. Gzhel painters, often women, work with precision using small brushes made from natural bristles. This inherited technique is taught through a traditional system of "brush alphabet," where each brush stroke represents a basic element of a Gzhel pattern. This makes each piece unique, while remaining true to the artist's distinctive visual style. Gzhel's ornamental forms are generally inspired by nature, such as flowers, birds, and leaves, and are presented in a soft, symmetrical style.
1) Gzhel Ceramics Documentation by Tatiana Ivanova - CC BY-SA 3.0 via commons.wikimedia.org
2) Gzhel Ceramics Documentation by learnrussianineu.com
Over time, Gzhel has become not only a craft product but also a national symbol of Russian home design. From teapots and vases to wall hangings, this ceramic adorns many Russian homes and is a favorite souvenir for tourists. Despite experiencing many ups and downs, including near extinction after World War II, Gzhel has survived thanks to the conservation efforts of local artists and craftspeople who maintain traditional techniques. The blue-and-white beauty of Gzhel today serves not only as a testament to the high craftsmanship of ceramic art but also as a symbol of cultural identity that lives on in modern Russian homes.
Written by Noverdy R
Reference
- Dulkina, TI, & Grigorevna, NS Gzhel: Keramika 18–19 Vekov. Moskva: Izd-vo “Planeta”, 1982.
- Saltykov, AB Russkaia Narodnaia Keramika. Moskva: Sovetskii Khudozhnik, 1960.
- Ovsyannikov, I. Russian Folk Arts and Crafts. Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1969.
- "Blue on White: Secrets of Gzhel Craftsmen.” Scientific Russia. https://en.scientificrussia.ru/articles/sinij-na-belom-sekrety-gzelskih-masterov-2
- “The History of Gzhel (Russian Porcelain).” Russian Doll House. https://russiandollhouse.com/archives/the-history-of-gzhel-russian-porcelain
