Tankard with lid

Tomaszów Lubelski is a small town founded by Crown Chancellor Jan Zamoyski in the early 17th century. In 1794, a faience manufactory was established there by the then-Ordynat Aleksander August Zamoyski and an experienced ceramist, Franciszek Mezer. Although the nearby forests provided fuel, unfortunately the clay was not suitable for producing fine ceramics. The necessary raw material was imported from Kamionka Wołoska (near Rawa Ruska, now Ukraine). Despite numerous difficulties, Stanisław Kostka Zamoyski, the founder's successor, managed to develop the factory, whose products were in great demand. In 1806, the production of porcelain as well began there. Unfortunately, dramatic political events, war campaigns and border changes interrupted the good fortune and led to the collapse of the manufactory in 1827. Today, there is no trace left of the factory, and even the inhabitants do not remember that a factory that had made their town famous used to benext to the junction of Lwowska and Kopernika Streets.

There are very few Tomaszów wares preserved, and they are real rarities in museum collections and on the antiques market. The Lublin Museum owns several examples, among which the tankard stands out with its exciting painting decoration. The two blacksmiths recall recent events from the Kościuszko Uprising. The scene was painted quite incompetently, perhaps by a folk artist. The signature on the bottom of the vessel – Tomassow – indicates the author's problems with spelling, which, however, in no way diminish his merits. He left a testimony of difficult times when even everyday dishes were used to preserve the memory of heroes and instil a patriotic spirit in young people.

Barbara Czajkowska