All about Kuznetsov porcelain

Among the many objects and things associated today with Russia, it is worth highlighting some types of dishes. Products of the talented Terenty Kuznetsov, whose craftsmanship brought him posthumous fame, and Kuznetsov porcelain is considered a luxury item to this day, belong to the category of world famous services and other porcelain products.

Partnership, which was engaged in the manufacture of porcelain and earthenware, was opened. in 1889. However, the ancestor of this case is still considered the ancestor of Kuznetsov - Yakov Vasilievich, since it was under his leadership in Gzhel that the first production was born. His work, as well as secrets and skill were transmitted along the male line, which made it possible to create in the 19th century the “Faience ware production partnership”.

Work in this direction was rapidly developing due to an increase in the number of factories and manufactories specializing in different areas of production, which allowed us to significantly expand the range of manufactured products. An important moment in the history of Kuznetsov porcelain was the transfer of the factory from Gzhel to Dulevo, where the largest enterprise specializing in the highest quality porcelain products subsequently arose. At the moment, all products are called Dulevo.

Factories opened in many areas, counties and provinces. Among the largest, it is worth highlighting the factory of the former entrepreneur Auerbach, an enterprise in the village of Buda. The rows of factories for working with porcelain and earthenware were supplemented by the famous Gardner factory (p.Verbilki).

In the light of the union of manufactories, enterprises and factories, Kuznetsov by the 20th century became the owner of the largest production network in Russia, which included about two dozen plants. 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 regarding the manufacture of dinner sets and other porcelain home furnishings have been lost. For the revival of the working techniques, it took a lot of time and effort of domestic artists and masters in the manufacture of ceramics.

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

Today, the porcelain business of Yakov Kuznetsov and his family was revived in Dulevo china. In 2012, the company for the production of lost technology was sold in 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 ancient Kuznetsov porcelain, among which are the strengths and weaknesses of the products. So, the following points should be attributed to the advantages of the product:

• excellent quality of all manufactured goods due to the high qualifications 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 product;
• in the assortment there are many exclusive things;
• utensils, including tea sets and even plates, are recognized as multifunctional, as they can be used for decoration or daily use;
• all materials used in the production are environmentally friendly and safe for human health;
• the product range offers the consumer goods in a different price segment, which makes porcelain affordable for any buyer.

Among the minuses of porcelain products it is worth highlighting:

• the fragility of even high-quality ceramics, in the light of which products require careful handling and care;
• Elite and antique items stand out for their high value.

There are a huge number of brands (brands) by which you can determine the authenticity of Kuznetsov porcelain. They are conditionally divided into main groups.

• Early period. The hallmarks have a different configuration, mainly attributed to the Novokharitonovsky period. There are round stamps, as well as decorated with a vignette. Stamps are represented by depressed options, which are subsequently drawn in blue or green colors.
• The hallmarks of the Dulevo 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.
• Stamps of the plant in Short This category includes only one brand, but it is considered the rarest.
• Hallmarks of the Riga factory. In this group many brands are represented, they stand out for their various forms and traced elements. The earliest belong to the period from 1853 to 1863.
• Hallmarks of the Tver factory. In the category, marks are divided into periods prior to the organization of the partnership and the era of its functioning.
• Stamps of the Budyansk plant. Specialists distinguish three types of stamps - the printed version, the green stamp and the overglaze.
• The hallmarks of the Dmitrov plant. Production produced a large number of porcelain, but they were branded with a limited number of brands. Today, only 3 options are known.
• Stamps of the Rybinsk plant. Specialists studying this period recorded only one brand of the factory with the name of the production.

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

• Color. High-quality products should be a delicate white shade with an inexpressive bluish tint. You can distinguish low-quality products by their gray and faded surface color, which, in comparison with real china, will make a striking contrast.

• Transparency. All home furnishings or dishes made of good material should be slightly 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, a similar feature will indicate compliance with all the important nuances of the manufacturing process.

• Sound. You can determine the quality of the product you like by the characteristic sound that will be heard when tapping the edge of the product. For these purposes, you need to use a small stick of bamboo. From touching a quality product, a clear and clear sound will be reproduced.

• The condition of the edge and surface. It will be possible to determine second-rate products by an uneven edge, a tuberous bottom, and also a surface with a "floating" base. For high-quality porcelain, the surface and edges will be perfectly even.

• Decor The attractiveness of porcelain and earthenware products is largely determined by the decoration options used. An interested buyer should be aware that masters never completely cover a real, original product with a pattern or pattern.

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

Observance of the recommendations described below will extend the life of beautiful dishes 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 can damage the surface of the dishes. If you plan to use a dishwasher, then the heating of the water in the device should be minimal, and the use of aggressive detergent compositions should also be avoided.
• If the products have metal decorative elements, they should not be used in the microwave.
• To keep the surfaces of porcelain products shiny and scratch-free, in the process of caring for containers, the use of powder formulations to remove contaminants should be abandoned. On sale you can find special gentle compounds and soap for porcelain care.
• Do not leave porcelain for long in water. After washing or wet processing, wipe the products dry on the outside and inside.
• Washing water should be at room temperature, too hot liquid can damage the decor on the product, lead to cracking on the glazed coating.
• Options are possible when, over time and in the light of active use, the dishes can change their color to darker. Such products look unrespectable, therefore, experts recommend the use of one effective tool 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 abrasive products, to return the whiteness of the porcelain surface, you can use ordinary soda or salt with table vinegar.
• Remove stains from porcelain surface succeed with a weakly concentrated solution of ammonia and water.
• Store cups and plates, stacked on top of each other, should not be, there is a risk of damage to the handle from excessive pressure and load. Experts recommend storing plates and other porcelain containers by shifting them between themselves with ordinary white napkins.

On the history of Kuznetsov porcelain see below.