Pottery: from ancient to modern times
Pottery is one of the oldest crafts of mankind, with its roots in the Neolithic period. It has not only served practical needs, but has also become an important part of the cultural heritage of various peoples.
The first clay objects are thought to have appeared around 29,000 years ago. Finds in present-day Bohemia, such as the Venus from Wilendof, show that ancient people used clay to create figurines and everyday objects. However, the real revolution in pottery took place around 10,000 years ago, when settled agriculture began in the Neolithic era. People began making simple vessels for storing food and water.
Around 6000 BC, the first pottery wheels appeared in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). This invention greatly simplified the process of shaping products and made it possible to create more complex shapes. Potter's wheels became the main tool of craftsmen for thousands of years.
In Ancient Egypt (around 3000 B.C.) pottery reached a high level of development. Egyptians made not only utilitarian vessels, but also decorative objects such as statuettes of gods. The pottery was often covered with brightly coloured glazes and used in rituals.
In Ancient Greece (around 1000 B.C.), the art of pottery also flourished. Greek craftsmen created a unique style known as black-figure and red-figure pottery, where images of people and mythological scenes were carefully painted. These wares became not only everyday objects but also important cultural artefacts.
With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, pottery in Europe experienced a decline. At this time, however, it continued to develop in the East. In China, as early as the 3rd century BC, technologies were developed for the production of porcelain, which later became a symbol of Chinese art.
With the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15th century, pottery began to flourish again in Europe. Italian craftsmen such as Domenico Fontana develop new glazing and moulding techniques. Specialised potteries also appear at this time and begin to produce mass-produced wares.
The 18th century saw a revolution in pottery in England thanks to craftsmen such as Josiah Wedgwood. He introduced new methods of production and marketing that made pottery accessible to the general public. Wedgwood was the first potter to use scientific methods to improve the quality of his wares.
In the 20th century pottery continues to develop, taking new forms. Masters begin to experiment with new materials and techniques. The advent of electric pottery wheels and new firing methods greatly simplified the production process.
Modern potters strive for individuality of their products, creating unique author's works. Many of them participate in exhibitions and fairs where they present their creations and share their experience with other masters.
Today, pottery is not only a craft but also an art that attracts the attention of people all over the world. It has become a symbol of creativity and self-expression as well as an important part of humanity's cultural heritage.
The history of pottery is a story of human creativity and innovation. From simple vessels of antiquity to modern author's works, this craft has travelled a long way of development. Pottery continues to inspire new generations of craftsmen and art lovers, keeping in touch with the past and opening new horizons for the future.
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