ATELIER P2POTTERY
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| Peter & Pavol Vozárik | ||
ATELIER P2POTTERY |
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| Home Page>> Pottery>> Middle Ages>> More Info | ||
MIDDLE AGES |
We have several exhibits from the Middle Ages. Single broken pieces were presented or bought to us by people who found them. From these ceramic shards we are able to reconstruct the approximate shape of the artefact, how it was manufactured and its decoration. The decoration used on pottery in Trencin during the Middle Ages was simple. A pattern was applied with an engraved wooden roller, either in single rows near the rim of the item, or in two to three rows just above the widest part of the piece. The pottery was fired at high temperatures often achieving a bell-like appearance. The last phase of firing was done at a reduced temperature, the intensity of reduction resulting in a grey to black finish. Occasionally, a stamped decoration can be seen. Most frequently used glazes were various shades of yellow, green and brown. Whether the artefacts were made in Trenčín or were imported from elsewhere remains unanswered. To date, a workshop producing ceramics from this period has not been identified, either in Trenčín or the surrounding area. |
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The seal we use on our products is the oldest known seal of the city of Trenčín from the year 1381. The lamb motif on the town’s coat of arms goes back to the beginning of the 13th century. This symbol was brought to Trenčín by the Maltese Knights who built the monastery of the Holy Spirit outside the town walls [its basement can be seen under the ČSOB bank]. In 1301 the Maltese Knights were expelled by Matúš Čák of Trenčín [the knights changed sides and joined his rival, the Hungarian King Charles Robert of Anjou]. |
The lamb on the Trenčín coat of arms is the symbol of Jesus Christ. The ribbon with the hexagonal star represents the Star of Bethlehem announcing the birth of Christ. The long staff ends in a cross, the symbol of the crucifixion of Christ and a flag, the symbol of his resurrection. The flag symbolizes the victory of Christ over death. |
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Decorations resembling raspberries was largely used in glass production. But as glass was expensive and intended for the more affluent, an imitation in ceramics was a cheaper and a more accessible version for the general public. Original of this decoration was found in Čachtice castle where Elizabeth Báthory lived. She is possibly the most prolific serial killer in history and is remembered as the 'Blood Countess' and as the Bloody Lady of Čachtice.
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