All about Dulevo china

Utensils made of metal, plastic and other modern materials can be very practical. But in terms of decorative qualities, it is difficult to find a worthy alternative to porcelain products. They do it in our country, moreover, no worse than in the recognized world centers of this industry.

The main Russian factory specializing in faience and porcelain in various forms is the factory in Likino-Dulyovo. He releases:

• dishes;
• souvenirs;
• sculptural products.

The city of Likino-Dulyovo is located in the suburbs, or rather, in the Orekhovo-Zuevsky district. The launch of production took place in 1832 at the initiative of the merchant T. Ya. Kuznetsov. Then the area where the enterprise was located was called the Dulevo wasteland. This territory received the status of a city only in 1937. But already at the first stage, the factory of Dulevo porcelain thundered literally all over Russia.

After 20 years, it has become one of the main centers of porcelain and ceramic production in our country. Since 1864, M. S. Kuznetsov became the owner of the enterprise. With him, it is possible to achieve the highest development in the 19th century. Attracted experts and rigorous development of the technology allowed us to make products of impeccable technical characteristics. Since 1918, the company has been on the next rise.

In the first years after nationalization, a radical reconstruction takes place, an adjacent factory of special paints is created. The mechanization of all workshops begins and pretty quickly ends. Since 1932, an art laboratory has been operating. For 15 years (1918-1932), it is possible not only to cope with the initial difficulties, but also to block the peak release of 1913 3 times.

But this was only the beginning of the enterprise. In the 1930s, attention was paid not only to the number of products, but also to its artistic performance. It is possible to achieve a qualitatively new aesthetic level (which was reflected in the exposition of the factory museum). Forever in the history of Likino-Dulyovo then such names as P.V. Leonov (painting), Mukhiguli and Strochilin (original forms of containers) entered. The sculptures and small figures of Sotnikov, Kozhin, Bogdanova also became a very remarkable achievement in their time.

Well-known painters and sculptors collaborated with the plant in that era. Its products were also highly valued abroad, presenting even gold medals of world exhibitions. In the late 1930s, a transition to a new painting style expressing more emotions is planned. For obvious reasons, it was only possible to implement the updated concept only in the 1950s. Once again, it is worth noting the contribution of the legendary Leonov, and in particular, his iconic service “Golden Deer”.

In the 1950s, a new approach was actively developed in Likino-Dulyovo - borrowing motifs from old Russian folklore and applying classical ornaments. They began to give preference to a contrasting palette of bright colors. In this period, the color range that is already familiar to modern Dulevo porcelain dominates:

• selenium;
• blue;
• green tones.

Experienced artists and sculptors continue to attract cooperation. In the 1960s, a different design trend appeared. Some decorators tried to shade white porcelain surfaces with soft pastel paintings. In this approach, both golden strokes and simple geometry were used.

The 1970s were accompanied by the use of sketches with natural landscapes, with field plants. In 1991, the plant was privatized, and a production cooperative was formed. But in the new realities, porcelain from Likino-Dulyovo is losing its former popularity. Demand for products quickly fell, and by the beginning of the 2010s, the plant eked out a miserable existence. Only feverish efforts and accelerated reconstruction (with the abandonment of outdated and insufficiently economical equipment) allowed to save the enterprise from complete collapse.

At the same time as the reconstruction was completed, in the late autumn of 2014, a factory museum was opened. It exhibits the unique work of many famous creators. Since 2015, there has been a renaissance, and annually the number of products sold is growing. True, it is unclear exactly when the previous production records will be blocked. But it's time to move on to a more important topic - the range of porcelain.

Likino-Dulyovo products began to be covered with special monograms and signs for quite some time, almost from the very beginning of the plant. Already then there were more than enough people who wanted to falsify popular products. What the company is now releasing is realized primarily through the main company store.

Its first floor offers visitors sets and tea pairs. You can buy a tea service for at least 700 rubles (for 6 people). The most expensive sets for the price reach 20 thousand. Porcelain lovers say that the most popular and interesting solutions cannot cost less than 3000 rubles.

In Likino-Dulyovo, they also make a variety of dining sets. There is plenty to choose from, and the prices are quite reasonable. The dishes displayed on the second floor of the store are sold individually. There you can find:

• plates;
• teapots;
• salad bowls;
• cups
• Bakeware;
• cups and glasses.

Along with ancient Russian ornaments, Likino-Dulevo designers also mastered the Uzbek-style motifs. In any case, all sets and individual copies are thought out very well. So, tea set "Cherry" consists of 14 objects and is designed for 6 users. According to the manufacturer, this set fits perfectly into quiet family evenings. The colorful description and impressive realism are especially noted in the official description.

Ledum set includes the same composition and at the same time is able to make any holiday, any romantic evening a truly idyllic time. The developers were able to ensure that he created exceptionally nice associations. If you are not limited to country services, then you can pay attention, for example, to “Blooming wild strawberries”. This kit includes:

• teapot;
• tea pair;
• sugar capacity.

There are in assortment of isolated tea pairs. A striking example is "Wild Rose". Also, the plant in Likino-Dulyovo produces:

• tea and coffee services;
• saucers;
• sugar bowls;
• sets for children;
• glasses with saucers;
• Circles
• decorative plates;
• vases;
• shtofov;
• lamps from china.

The conversation about the positive and negative sides of Dulevo porcelain is appropriate to divide into 2 parts. First, about porcelain in general. They are considered ideal for holidays and special occasions. When the mood is high, when there are real reasons for joy, why not take advantage of the achievements of the ceramic industry. No wonder this kind of tableware is found in the most pretentious places.

Quality products are exceptionally thin and even “let the sun pass through”. At the same time, the mechanical strength of porcelain exceeds glass identical in thickness. But immediately the first characteristic minus is revealed - nevertheless, the porcelain lacks mechanical resistance. And even the first-class, Dulevo technology worked out over many decades does not allow to “stretch” this drawback.

As for the decor, for a long time those products that were created in Likino-Dulyovo were underestimated by connoisseurs. Even the products of other domestic factories, the same Lomonosovskaya, in the XIX century in high circles snobbishly vilified. Traditional Russian subjects and motives, stylistic decisions were declared "terrible philistinism." But times are changing, and aristocratic snobs (like those already purely late Soviet followers) have sunk into oblivion. But porcelain products with a good hand-made pattern in a traditional style survived all these furious attacks.

No wonder - the mass consumer is simply tired of template drawings using decal technique. Although they are even more diverse and sometimes more sophisticated, there is simply no specific pleasant “soul” in them. At the same time, in comparison with the products of the same IPF, Dulevo products win (by comparable positions) by about 50%. Or in some cases even a little more. Colors may or may not like - but this is a purely individual issue.

First of all, the stigma of the letters "ZK" appeared. It was used only from 1832 to 1840. Later (until 1860) cobalt marks were used. Since 1864, for 25 years, company products have been marked with blue overglaze brands MSC and CPM. Over the next 2 decades, a completely different brand is used. And from 1962 to this day, Likino-Dulyovo puts on his porcelain dishes a graphic picture of a falcon.

This practice began, impressed by the victory of the corresponding composition in 1958 at the Brussels exhibition. Knowing which logos have been used as a stigma for years, it is possible to date porcelain products without problems. The very first of the brands was pressed into the dough.But when choosing it is important to pay attention not only to conventional signs.

Classical folk style is liked by a very large number of people. If it does not fit, you can choose another technique - the so-called decal. Such a manufacturing method means transferring stencil pictures to porcelain. Do not think that all such products look lifeless - among them there are undoubtedly original ones. The third Dulevo technique, which deserves attention, is the application of characteristic “chintz” drawings.

In addition to these points, there are other subtleties that absolutely can not be ignored. So, if possible, you should purchase dishes and other porcelain products in large specialized stores. The best of them are those that work directly from the manufacturer. Important: you should verify the full name of each product and its appearance with a description on the official website. A high-quality product is distinguished very simply: through the wall, the mark applied to the opposite side should be clearly visible (with sufficient lighting).

No less important is the melodic response that appears when you hit the surface. Connoisseurs take special wooden sticks for tapping. If they strike simple ceramics or earthenware, the sound is invariably muffled. No tricks of counterfeiters can eliminate this symptom.

Just choosing the right mule product is not enough. Often, after a short time, it begins to upset the owners. This is usually associated with illiterate treatment. Porcelain, especially hand-painted (as in this case), is also washed only by hand, without the help of dishwashers. Even the most gentle of them do not work properly. Because the risk is too high that something will be damaged.

But hand washing is very different. Categorically it is impossible to clean Dulevo porcelain, keeping it on weight under running water. There is a high probability that you will have to face another identification sign of quality material - the form of fragments. The dishes are placed in plastic containers in which soft towels are spread.

It is strictly forbidden to use boiling water or hot water. Only a moderate temperature liquid is suitable. If the dishes have handles or delicate parts, they are held by the body and bottom when washing. The use of household chemicals is in principle unacceptable. The only permitted option is baby soap, although it should be thoroughly diluted in water or applied to a brush with soft hair.

Liquid ammonia helps to rid stained porcelain from stains and stains. Outside, dishes are rubbed with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. As an alternative to it, diluted tooth powder is used.

To clean the spouts of teapots and other hard-to-reach areas, brushes are usually used for baby food bottles. Unlike ordinary dishes, porcelain can not be soaked for a long time in water. Because of this, you can "play out" to the cracks. For the same reason, strong friction during washing should be avoided. Soap and foam are washed off by carefully pouring water at room temperature into containers.

As soon as the porcelain is cleaned and wiped dry, it is immediately rubbed to a shine. If this is not done, spots and stains may soon appear. And not just appear: to cope with them will be much more difficult than usual. Dust is brushed off with bristles with a rough pile. Once again we repeat: all manipulations are done as thoroughly and accurately as possible, without any haste.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about Dulevo porcelain.