Bowl with wirework

Large bowls with relatively narrow bottoms and wide spouts (in this case, 38.5 cm in diameter) were typical dishes popular in Pomerania in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Similarly to plates, due to expensive lead-tin glaze, they were coated only on the face side. At that time, ceramics glazed were no longer used as tableware in houses of more prosperous landed gentry and bourgeoisie, who started to use porcelain but were found in houses of peasants and poorer burghers. During this period, the ornamentation became miniaturised and schematic, and the drawing was reduced to two colours - blue and green. The pottery produced by the Odra River workshops was delivered to the harbour in Szczecin by paid intermediaries and often by potters' widows, who earned their living this way. Bowls, plates, pots, jugs and other vessels were transported by sea to the Baltic countries and the Netherlands and England, where they were called Szczecin/Pomeranian ware (Stettiner/ Pommerche Ware). The presented bowl is decorated with a delicate floral motif, and the collar is decorated with a wavy line of variable amplitude. What draws attention is the wire mesh wrapping around it. The vessels were wired to extend their useful life. It was the work of a wire worker, who often travelled from village to village. At the time when farms were very self-sufficient, and peasant households had little spare cash, every item was used for as long as possible and repaired and re-wired for as long as possible.

Iwona Karwowska