From the beginning to the present. History of Ukrainian pottery art.

Pottery, the first conscious manifestation of cultural development . This is a craft that was one of the first to enter people's lives and society. Pottery art is undoubtedly an important element of history for Ukraine. 

Many different things can be made from clay. Decorations, decoration and construction elements, toys, figurines and, of course, many types of dishes. In Ukraine, the use of clay was also very wide.

The first mentions of ceramic products date back to the times when the lands of present-day Ukraine were inhabited by Trypil tribes. Trypil culture became key in the development of pottery. Although the potter's wheel, an important tool for the craft, did not yet exist, all clay products were made by hand.

In the days of Kievan Rus , potters already began to use the potter's wheel, so the products became modified, more refined, and detailed. Unique designs appear. With the appearance of the main tool, the volume of production also increased. There was a real breakthrough in the development of pottery.

Ceramic dishes and children's toys were the most common products in Kyivan Rus. The population of that time used a large assortment of earthenware in their everyday lives. According to researchers, pots ("pot") were the most common.

It can be said that the 17th and 18th centuries were the time of the greatest rise of the Ukrainian pottery craft. New forms, colors and ornaments appear, craftsmen add unusualness to their products. Dishes in the form of pets are becoming widely known.

Over time, ceramics acquire styles characteristic of different regions. Potters invent their own unique techniques, so in different parts of Ukraine there are products unique to the region where they were made. Products began to be made multi-colored thanks to enamel painting, which enriched the possibilities of craftsmen. 

This period gives us the birth of traditional pottery art.

In later years, the craft declined. The 1920s and 1930s and the times of the Second World War became critical. But after the war, pottery was restored very quickly, as there was a shortage of dishes. Potters preserve the traditional techniques characteristic of the area, and traditionally decorate their products.

The products of the Vasylkiv majolica plant have become iconic . 

The plant began its work in the 20s and 30s. And Vasylkiv has been the center of the pottery craft of the Dnipro region since ancient times. A feature of their clay products is the coating with water (similar to glass) and the use of flandrivka and pastilage techniques.

Some majolica nowadays is a real find for collectors.

For 50-60 years , Ukrainians have been decorating their houses with ceramic decorative plates. They use earthenware for cooking. A tradition spreads among people, which we can meet even today. The so-called "Easter dishes" and "Christmas holiday dishes" appear. These are ceramic sets for decorating the festive table

The process of creating a clay product requires patience and skill. Nowadays, most craftsmen work with an electric potter's wheel. Ceramic products are made in several stages: preparation of a soft clay mass; formation, that is, the product takes its shape, depending on the type; drying and covering with glaze; then burning; and finally you can start decorating.

The following techniques were known in folk pottery: grinding, glazing, horning, sculpting, stamping, flanders. 

Original traditional ornaments, colors, varieties of shapes and patterns, production techniques, characteristic features of different regions - this is all about Ukrainian ceramics, which has never stopped. Modern clay products continue to conquer the world.

Today, we have already formed, generally accepted well-known types of Ukrainian traditional ceramics. Each of them is unique, has its own technique, is made of different types of clay, and, of course, has its own decorative features. 

Milk ceramics , one of the oldest technologies. This variety is special due to the "milking" process, when the product is immersed in milk before firing.

Kosovo ceramics represent the Hutsul culture and are an intangible heritage of UNESCO. Authentic ceramics decorated with original ornaments.

Havaretska ceramics , originating from Havarechchyna (Lviv region), acquires a unique appearance thanks to a special firing technique. Impressive with its color.

Opishnya ceramics , another one of the most prominent varieties in Ukraine. Comes from Poltava Oblast. The National Museum of Pottery is located in the village of Opishny. Ceramics is famous for its many colors and diversity.

Modern art is rich, because it preserves ancient traditions, and is full of originality, adding modern motifs. Simplicity and closeness to nature prevail among pottery studios. Currently, there is a huge number of masters who represent the culture of Ukrainian ceramics not only in their homeland, but also at international exhibitions. Among modern clay products, everyone will like their taste, because the styles of execution are presented in countless numbers.