Brytyjskie wyroby ceramiczne na gdańskim rynku produktów w XVIII i XIX wieku

Abstract

Problems taken up in the article concern English and Scottish ceramics from the periods starting with 18th up to 19th century, obtained in the course of archaeological explorations in Gdańsk (sites within the area of the Old Town, Old Suburbs, Southern Granary Island and Szafarnia). Author presented ceramic assemblages consisting of, among the others, ceramic vessels, pipes and ceramic building material. Due to a wide range of the research performed and rich source base of this work, initially – the characteristics of particular objects’ categories were presented. Further, chronology and informative potential, resulting from their occurrence in Gdańsk local market, were defined.The vessels consisted of stoneware, creamware, blackware and redware. They were subjected to analyses in reference to their manufacturing techniques and the way of decorating. Another products’ group consists of clay tobacco pipes, which were characterized taking into account production centers. Examples from London, Liverpool and Scotland were distinguished. The last discussed group consisted of brick and stoneware water-pipes – elements of water-sewage systems. On the base of marks: Ramsey and Prestongrange, main centers of their productions were identified.Preliminary analysis of the objects listed indicates some general regularities connected with their functioning in Gdańsk. The biggest number concentration of pipes and ceramic dishes of English origin is noted for the period of the 80s of 18th century up till the end of that century. In case of ceramic building material the most artifacts come from the end of 19th century. Ceramic objects come in majority from Staffordshire and Liverpool region. Building ceramics and single clay tobaco pipes come from the eastern coasts of Great Britain. Quantity and specificity of particular objects’ categories indicate that ceramic vessels and elements of water insulation must have been imported to Gdańsk on a mass scale.Present article is barely an introduction for the futher researches of British ceramics in Gdańsk and their trade between these two regions. Issues concerning the products assortment presented above require further studies.