There is a place setting for you at The Pottery Niche
By Arika Cullen
Not all stoneware and pottery is created equal. As Eleanor Gray, owner of The Pottery Niche can tell you; Polish pottery is in a class of its own.
The pottery in The Pottery Niche comes from the Polish village of Boleslawiec. The village sits near the southwestern border of Poland and was once a part of Germany.
“Seventeen years ago our daughter lived in Germany,” Gray said. “That was when we were introduced to the stoneware, and I became addicted to it. I have been collecting it over the years just for myself, and then I opened the shop five years ago, after I had retired.”
So why the addiction?
The combination of beauty, function, and durability is what makes Polish pottery so appealing to collectors like Gray. The original pattern, the peacock pattern, was inspired by the ‘eye’ on the peacock’s feathers. The colors in Polish pottery are largely peacock blue, cobalt blue, and earth tones. The artisans get many of their design ideas from their flower gardens. Because of the common color scheme and patterns drawn from nature, a collector can mix and match pieces on the table or even within a place setting.
Unikat, or unique, pieces are signature patterns, often signed by the creator. These pieces are sought after because of their rarity and exceptional beauty. The more intricate and unique the pattern, the more the piece is worth. Many of the signature patterns are very detailed and center on floral designs.
“My customers say they get lots of compliments from dinner guests on the beauty of the pieces,” said Gray. “The pottery has a very European look. The bold and bright colors catch the eye.”
The premier factory in Boleslawiec Ceremika Artystyczna produces pieces of stoneware in more than 600 shapes and uses more than 2,500 patterns. The Pottery Niche carries a large selection of pieces from the premier factory and also from some of the other factories, which manufacture pieces with patterns unique to them. Customers can find practically anything they could want for their kitchens at The Pottery Niche, including a wide variety of plates, bowls, cups, teapots, cutting boards, bakeware and canisters.
“The shop is very small, but I have lots of pieces. Don’t be fooled by the size of the shop,” Gray advised.
The selection changes frequently, as new pieces are shipped from Poland throughout the year. In spring and fall, larger orders arrive to replenish the stock and give customers a look at the newest patterns available.
One of the specialty pieces of Polish pottery available at The Pottery Niche is the cheese lady. This interesting piece of stoneware looks very much like a doll, with a huge bell skirt and hands on the hips. Lifting the doll, you will find that she is actually a cover for a plate of cheese, butter, or a cheese ball.
“The cheese ladies are nice to use at any time,” suggested Gray. “I think it makes a great decoration or conversation piece.”
The pottery is not only decorative but extremely durable stoneware; it will not crack or chip easily. It is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, and is lead and cadmium free, perfect for everyday use.
Customers who are pottery collectors, and those who just love the look and durability of the pottery, often tell Gray that her prices are the best they have ever seen. She is also able to obtain a lot of select pieces, which are rare and hard to find, from different pottery shops all over Poland.
The Pottery Niche is located at 3371 Township Road 154, a mile off SR 557 south of Berlin, near Charm, Ohio. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by calling 330-893-2694, appointments can be made for other times.
