Gzhel, a small city in the Moscow region, is the center of Russia's famous art craft. The so-called Gzhel bush occupies a vast territory and includes 27 villages, the population of which has long been engaged in painting various products from snow-white porcelain and faience. The history of the Gzhel trade dates back to the 14th century, from the very time when a rich clay deposit was discovered near Moscow. The material was heterogeneous: in the upper layers there were layers of a simple red “fire”, below it lay layers of “furs” of pale yellow color, and in the very depths lay “soap” - the most delicate white clay, an excellent material for the manufacture of high-quality porcelain and earthenware.
Pharmaceutical Needs
For some time, dishes and other kitchen utensils were made of white clay. Then came the royal Apothecary decree prescribing the sending of all extracted raw materials to Moscow for the needs of medicine and pharmaceuticals. The production of kitchen utensils had to be postponed, but after a while additional deposits of white clay were discovered, and thus, the material was already enough for pharmacies and pottery. During the abundance of raw materials, an artistic craft called gzhel was born.
World fame
Gzhel painting, the patterns of which are distinguished by a special style, began to spread throughout Russia. At first, artists used colorful paints. Then the Gzhel painting, patterns, themes of the picture and the general style changed somewhat. The main color was bright blue cobalt paint. Since then, Gzhel painting, whose pattern is admired by people all over the world, has become a classic combination of two colors - white and blue. Authentic products do not allow any other shades, only in some cases, the artist can use gold paint for easy decoration.
Heyday
The famous Gzhel painting (patterns, ornaments, floral themes and much more of what forms the basis of a unique artistic style) was developed in the 19th century. In the rich houses of Russia it was considered good form to set the dining table with dishes made of Gzhel porcelain. First of all, there was patriotism, pride in their country. In addition, white and blue plates and tureens were much cheaper than Meissen porcelain.
Images on products were also exclusively on Russian subjects. Hunting with dogs, dancing at Shrovetide, Easter procession, and many other events of a truly Russian character were depicted on tableware. Thus, Gzhel painting, the patterns of which were similar in spirit to the Russians, became more and more popular.
Handmade
At the beginning of the 20th century, breeders of the Moscow region made attempts to put the production of white-blue products on stream, but this idea failed. The painting of dishes with Gzhel patterns must certainly be done manually by experienced artists who are able to put a soul into their work. Mechanical drawing destroys the essence of art, the product becomes faceless.
Gzhel painting, patterns and ornaments, geometric figures or scenes from rural life - all this is the result of the work of talented artists working in the enterprises of folk art crafts of the Gzhel Bush. The first sign of the artist’s skill is considered to be the presence of halftones in the painting, when pale blue strokes alternate with bright and saturated.
Gzhel painting: patterns
A flower, its delicate petals, a plant stem, leaves on thin cuttings ... All this is a classic theme of Gzhel painting. Plants are depicted in a stylized form, but their characteristic features are visible, currant berries can not be confused with viburnum, and gooseberries can not be called wild rose, even though all plants, flowers and berries are the same bright blue.
Children's theme
A significant part of the Gzhel folk crafts is dedicated to children. These are horses and elephants, donkeys and foals, painted carriages with a train, cars and planes with Gzhel painting on them. Patterns for children are as skillful as for adults, but the artist approaches the work with a much greater responsibility. After all, a child should never be disappointed. Therefore, artists, starting to paint toys and other products of children's assortment, try to do the job as best as possible.
Master classes
In the production associations of Gzhel folk art crafts there are training sections for those wishing to master the art of painting. Future artists take special courses in drawing and technologies for creating the famous white and blue porcelain, mastering such a kind of folk craft as Gzhel painting. The patterns for beginners are simplified, however, the learning process consists of several stages.
The first lessons include drawing training, or rather, drawing the contours of the future image. The strokes are applied with a medium-soft drawing pencil on paper such as Whatman paper without pressure, so that you can erase the unsuccessfully marked lines with an eraser.
After the outline drawing is ready, you can start painting. It is better to make a trial image with water-soluble paint - watercolor, acrylic or gouache. Any brush is suitable for this, but for a start you can use the 2nd number. On a separate piece of paper, several strokes should be made to choose a blue color suitable for saturation. Then you need to try to draw a flower. If the image on paper was successful, then at the next stage you can start painting the ceramic product.
Variety of pattern
The database of each Gzhel ceramics factory has subject and thematic sketches used by technologists if necessary. A variety of Gzhel paintings, patterns, photographs, drawings, copies - everything goes into business when you need to launch the next series of products.
Authentic products are produced in separate batches, when the products are kept from beginning to end in the status of exclusivity. Their shape is unique, the painting is unique. Such gzhel is highly valued, connoisseurs are trying to purchase just this product. First-class products differ from usual ones in detailed elaboration of the drawing. The artist draws the smallest nuances, and as a result a true masterpiece of Gzhel folk art is born.
Onsite sale
Recently, a good tradition has appeared - in Gzhel production, to open a store selling products of local craftsmen. Works of art have become more accessible, increased choice. Large enterprises of the Gzhel industry set up the production of super services, similar to those supplied to the imperial court in the 19th century. Representatives of previous generations remember sets of tableware of 120 or more items. There were services and smaller, for 12 people from 84 objects. And quite small, for two, called Tete-a-tete. There was a service even for one person, miniature, which was called "Egoist".
Tsarist monopoly
In those days, many Gzhel products went abroad. Europeans exported products of Russian masters in wagons. This went on for quite some time, until the Russian imperial treasury department became the main buyer of factory products. Pretty soon a monopoly arose, which subjugated the production of gzhel, and since then all products have been shipped to the treasury warehouse.
Prospects
Currently, gzhel is in demand more than ever. Factories and small workshops operate at full load. All residents of the so-called Gzhel bush are engaged in the production of snow-white painted ceramics.