Gzhel ceramics or porcelain or often just Gzhel is a typical Russian ceramic that derives its name from the Gzhel region, one of the traditional Russian centers of ceramic production. Various ceramics have been produced in Gzhel over the centuries.
A wide variety of ceramic vessels and other ceramic objects with a wide variety of functions and sizes were made: flower vases, egg cups, thimbles, mantel clocks, carafes, salad bowls, salt shakers, jewelry boxes, soup bowls, plates, vodka jugs, sugar bowls and small human figures. But bricks, clay pipes, porcelain tiles (ceramic tiles) and especially ceramic toys in the shape of birds and predators were also produced in Gzhel, as were small porcelain sculptures - knick-knacks and statuettes - and decorative figures: horses, riders, birds, dolls, miniature vessels.
The dishes and figures in the form of animals and figures from everyday Russian life were initially painted in purple, yellow, blue and brown colors with plant motifs (flowers, leaves and grasses) in a characteristic, folk style. Only later were the artistically designed objects made of white glazed ceramics or white porcelain painted with a typical cobalt blue paint on a white background. The white background is created with a white tin oxide-based glaze that is applied to the ceramic. (C) WP