All about Kuznetsovsk porcelain

Among the many objects and things associated with Russia today, it is worth to highlight some types of dishes. The category of world-famous sets and other porcelain products should include the products of the talented Terenty Kuznetsov, whose craftsmanship brought him posthumous fame, and Kuznetsovsky porcelain is considered a luxury item to this day.

A partnership that was engaged in the manufacture of porcelain and earthenware products was opened in 1889. However, the pioneer in this case is still considered to be Kuznetsov's ancestor, Yakov Vasilyevich, since it was under his command that the first production originated in Gzhel. His business, as well as secrets and skill, were transmitted through the male line, which led to the possibility of creating in the XIX century the "Partnership for the production of faience products."

Work in this area has been developing rapidly by increasing the number of factories and manufactories specializing in different areas of production, which has significantly expanded the range of manufactured products. An important moment in the history of Kuznetsov porcelain was the transfer of the factory from Gzhel to Dulyovo, where subsequently the largest enterprise specializing in high-quality porcelain products arose. At the moment, all products are called dulevskoy.

Factories opened in many areas, counties and provinces. Among the largest is the plant of the former owner of Auerbach, an enterprise in the village of Buda. The ranks of factories for working with porcelain and faience replenished the famous factory Gardner (p. Verbilki).

In the light of the merger of manufactories, enterprises and factories, by the XX century, Kuznetsov became the owner of the largest production network in Russia, which included about two dozen factories. However, with the advent of Soviet power, all enterprises were nationalized, with the exception of the Riga factory.

In light of such changes many secrets and developments concerning the manufacture of dinner sets and other porcelain interior items have been lost. For the revival of the techniques of work it took a lot of time and effort of domestic artists and craftsmen in the manufacture of ceramics.

In particular, the main nuances causing high quality of Kuznetsovsky porcelain, such as preparation of clay and the content of the material in a room with a certain humidity, as well as the use of special peat for firing products in furnaces.

Today, the porcelain affair of Jacob Kuznetsov and his family was revived in Dulevo porcelain. In 2012, the company for the production of products for lost technologies was sold to private ownership. This had a positive effect on the restoration and modernization of the main workshops and lines.

Today, experts highlight the main characteristics of antique Kuznetsov porcelain, among which there are strengths and weaknesses of products. So, the advantages of products should include the following points:

• excellent quality of all manufactured goods due to the high qualification of the craftsmen working in the production;
• most of the products are made by hand, which is especially appreciated for antiques;
• Kuznetsov porcelain is a practical and durable products;
• in the range there are many exclusive things;
• dishes, including tea sets and even plates, are recognized as multifunctional, as they can be used for decoration or daily use;
• all materials used in production are environmentally friendly and safe for human health;
• the product range offers the consumer goods in different price segments, which makes porcelain affordable for any buyer.

Among the minuses of porcelain products it is worth to highlight:

• the fragility of even high-quality ceramics, in the light of which the products require careful handling and care;
• luxury and antiques stand out for their high cost.

There is a huge number of brands (stamps) by which one can determine the authenticity of Kuznetsov porcelain. They are conventionally divided into major groups.

• Early period. Brands have a different configuration, mainly attributed to the Novokharitonovskom period. There are round stamps, as well as decorated with vignette. The stamps are represented by depressed variants, which were later drawn in blue or green colors.
• Brands of the Dulev period. This group includes the largest collection of brands, since the products were made at the largest enterprise of the whole partnership. Most of them are drawn in red, blue and green tones. Color at that time determined the grade of products.
• Factory stamps in d. Short This category includes only one brand, but it is considered the rarest.
• Brands of the Riga plant. In this group there are a lot of brands, they are distinguished by their various forms and traced elements. The earliest dates from the period from 1853 to 1863.
• Hallmarks of the Tver Factory. In the category marks are divided into periods before the organization of the partnership and the epoch of its functioning.
• Stamps Budiansky plant. Experts identify three types of stamps - the print version, green stamp and overglaze.
• Brands Dmitrovsky plant. Production produced a large number of porcelain products, but they were branded with a limited number of brands. Today, only 3 options are known.
• Stamps Rybinsk plant. Specialists studying this period, recorded only one stamp of the factory with the name of production.

In order to acquire truly high-quality porcelain products, a number of key points regarding the appearance and quality of products should be taken into account. Characteristics indicating the high quality of the dishes will be as follows.

• Colour. High quality products should be of a delicate white color with an expressionless bluish tint. To distinguish products of poor quality can be on the gray and faded color of the surface, which in comparison with this china will be a stark contrast.

• Transparency. All furnishings or dishes from a good material should be a little translucent. Such a nuance will indicate the use of safe natural raw materials in the production process. Artificial additives will not allow the product to shine through. In addition, this feature will indicate compliance with all the important nuances of the manufacturing process.

• Sound. Determine the quality of your favorite product will be a characteristic sound that will be heard when tapping the edge of the product. For these purposes, you need to use a small bamboo stick. Touching a quality product will produce a clear and sonorous sound.

• The state of the edge and surface. Determine the second-rate products will be on a rough edge, bumpy bottom, as well as the surface with a "floating" base. In high-quality porcelain products, the surface and edges will be ideally even.

• The decor. The attractiveness of porcelain and faience products is largely determined by the used decoration options. The interested buyer should know that the real, original products of the master never fully cover the pattern or pattern.

Despite the naturalness of the raw materials used for the production of porcelain products, such products require a special approach to the subsequent operation and maintenance.

Compliance with the recommendations described below will extend the life of beautiful tableware and decor items.

• Any porcelain dishes should be washed exclusively by hand, avoiding joint cleaning with metal forks, spoons and other cutlery. Sponges for surface treatment should not have an abrasive side. Before washing, it is best to remove rings and other jewelry from your fingers that could damage the surface of the dish. If you plan to use a dishwasher, then the water heating in the device should be minimal, you should also avoid the use of aggressive detergent compositions.
• If there are metallic elements on the products, they should not be used in the microwave.
• To keep porcelain surfaces shiny and scratch-free, In the process of maintenance of containers, it is necessary to abandon the use of powder formulations to remove contaminants. On sale you can find special gentle compositions and soap for the care of porcelain.
• You can not leave the porcelain for a long time in the water. After washing or wet processing, wipe the product dry from the outside and inside.
• Water for washing should be at room temperature too hot liquid can damage the decor on the product, lead to the formation of cracks on the glazed coating.
• Options are not excluded. when over time and in the light of active use, dishes can change their color to darker. Such products do not look respectable, so experts recommend using one effective means to return the surface to an attractive appearance. For these purposes, a small amount of tartaric acid or turpentine is used. Despite the prohibition of the use of abrasives, to return the whiteness of the porcelain surface, you can use regular soda or salt with vinegar.
• Remove stains from porcelain surface succeed with the help of a weakly concentrated solution of ammonia and water.
• Keep cups and platesstacked on each other should not be, there is a risk of damaging the handles from excessive pressure and load. Experts recommend that plates and other porcelain containers be stored by shifting them together with ordinary white napkins.

On the history of Kuznetsovsky porcelain, see below.