Kolekcja: Bowls

Polish ceramic bowls from Bolesławiec have been famous in Europe since 1800. Until today, artisans do not use machines to decorate them. They are all done in an old-fashioned way, by hand with stamps and brushes. Although they are not perfect factory-made items, this is what makes them special.

Types of Bolesławiec Ceramic Bowls

We make different ceramic bowls for different uses. Our deep soup bowls are 24 cm in diameter and hold about 300 ml of liquid. Thick walls keep your soup or stew hot while you eat. The wide rim prevents spills when you carry them to the table.

Larger soup or pasta bowls are also 24 cm in diameter but hold 500 ml or more. They are perfect for hearty stews, pasta dishes or large salads. Families use them for Sunday lunch sides: roast potatoes or vegetables.

In Polish homes, traditional Polish soups żurek (sour rye soup) and barszcz (beetroot soup) are traditionally served in stoneware bowls like ours. Families pass down their ceramic bowl collections through generations as treasured heirlooms.

Ceramic Bowl Patterns

Each ceramic bowl has a slightly distinct pattern because it is made by hand. However, they are always a part of a bigger collection. The most famous patterns are:

• the blue dots,
• the peacock’s eyes,
• the forget-me-nots,
• the red poppies,
• the speckled pattern (inspired by starry night skies),
• the blue daisy,
• the flowering vines.

Though blue remains the traditional colour of Polish pottery, green and brown ceramic bowls are becoming more and more popular. One of the fun things about ceramic bowls is mixing and matching different patterns. You do not need to buy a complete matching set like you would at a chain store. But if you wish, just remember the pattern designation and you will easily find matching plates or cups.

The Process of Making the Bolesławiec Ceramic Bowl

Creating a ceramic bowl takes skill because it needs to be shaped to get the curve right. Our potters spend years perfecting their technique. First, they take a lump of clay and centre it on a spinning wheel. Then, they use their thumbs or whole hand, to create a desired shape.

Ceramic bowls are checked multiple times during shaping. The potter uses wooden tools to create the right curve and smooth the surface. They pay close attention to the rim. It should feel smooth. Once shaped, we leave the bowls to dry slowly for about a day and a half. If one part dries faster than another, it might crack. Later, we sand rough spots by hand before the first firing.

The first firing happens at about 900°C and takes around 8 hours. We stack the bowls in the kiln, leaving space between them. The bowls are hard but still porous after the first firing. Now, it is time for decoration. Decorators choose stamps based on the pattern the bowl will have. They dip rubber stamps into coloured clay slips and press them onto the surface.

The ceramic bowls dry again before being dipped in clear glaze. The final firing is at about 1250°C. This high temperature melts the glaze and makes the bowl super strong.

Long-Lasting Polish Pottery Ceramic Bowls

The stoneware clay contains minerals from the Lower Silesia. Those minerals create exceptional strength when fired at high temperatures. Because of that, pottery bowls do not crack at high temperatures. They survive decades without any issues. Moreover, the glaze is a completely non-porous surface. Basically, it does not absorb food odours, flavours, or bacteria.

One more thing. We respect our planet. We do not ship clay from far away, and reuse scraps and water in our workshop. Nothing goes to waste. These bowls last for decades and produce less waste in landfills. Our glazes are non-toxic and food-safe.

Polish Pottery Ceramic Bowls as Gifts

Ceramic bowls make thoughtful gifts for many occasions. They are so unique that recipients use them rather than just storing them. A set of soup bowls works well for wedding or housewarming presents. Some customers simply gift the pottery to themselves!

Taking care of ceramic bowls is simple. They are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe up to 220°C. However, if you wish to keep them looking their best for decades, we recommend handwashing and not using abrasive scrubbers. We have heard customers tell us that bowls they received as wedding gifts 20 years ago are still present in their kitchen.

Are you ready to get Polish artistic ceramics directly from the factory in Poland? Browse our collection of ceramic bowls!