In an interview with «FACTS», a researcher of Ukrainian porcelain history shared her insights on the vegetable decor in domestic production tableware. The interviewee, Oksana Kovalenko, is a renowned expert in the field of Ukrainian porcelain and has dedicated her career to studying and preserving the country’s rich porcelain heritage.
According to Kovalenko, the use of vegetable motifs in Ukrainian porcelain dates back to the 18th century when the first porcelain factory was established in the town of Kholodnyi Yar. The factory, founded by the Russian Empress Elizabeth, produced exquisite pieces of porcelain adorned with hand-painted vegetable designs. This marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of incorporating vegetable decor in Ukrainian porcelain.
Over the years, the use of vegetable motifs in Ukrainian porcelain has evolved and expanded. Kovalenko explains that in the 19th century, the famous Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra factory introduced a new technique called «underglaze painting», which allowed for more intricate and detailed vegetable designs to be applied to porcelain. This technique became widely popular and was adopted by other porcelain factories in Ukraine.
One of the most iconic and beloved vegetable designs in Ukrainian porcelain is the «cabbage rose» pattern. This design, featuring delicate pink roses and green leaves, has become a symbol of Ukrainian porcelain and is still widely used today. Kovalenko notes that the cabbage rose pattern was first introduced in the 19th century by the Imperial Porcelain Factory in Saint Petersburg, but it was quickly adopted by Ukrainian factories and became a staple in their production.
The use of vegetable decor in Ukrainian porcelain not only adds a touch of beauty and charm to the tableware but also holds a deeper meaning. Kovalenko explains that vegetables have always been an important part of Ukrainian culture and cuisine, and incorporating them into porcelain designs is a way of celebrating and preserving this cultural heritage. She also notes that each vegetable has its own symbolic meaning, for example, the cabbage symbolizes prosperity and the pumpkin represents fertility.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Ukrainian crafts, including porcelain. Kovalenko believes that the popularity of vegetable decor in Ukrainian porcelain is a reflection of this trend. She also notes that the younger generation is showing a renewed interest in their cultural heritage and is actively seeking out and collecting pieces of Ukrainian porcelain with vegetable designs.
Despite the challenges faced by the Ukrainian porcelain industry, such as competition from mass-produced tableware and the lack of government support, Kovalenko remains optimistic about its future. She believes that the unique and beautiful vegetable decor in Ukrainian porcelain will continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
In conclusion, the use of vegetable decor in Ukrainian porcelain is not just a decorative element, but a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Thanks to the efforts of researchers like Oksana Kovalenko, this tradition is being preserved and celebrated, ensuring that future generations will continue to appreciate and admire the beauty of Ukrainian porcelain.
