Modern Traditional Pottery of Ukraine: Utilitarian and Decorative Functions

Abstract

Analyzing the changes, taking place in the development of Ukrainian pottery currently, the authoress affirms, that modern Ukrainian folk ceramics has become the more public system. It interacts actively with the other systems of modern culture, reacting sensitively upon the events of the outward things. These essentially regular processes have an influence on the production technology and artistic peculiarities of the wares and also their functional changes. Herewith both main functions of the ceramics – utilitarian and decorative – don’t disappear, but are only changed with the predominance of the latter. The ritual function has almost disappeared. At the same time the exhibition function becomes increasingly popular. The authoress is describing the works of Ukrainian potters of the early 21st century. It is shown that they create household stuff as well as decorative crockery, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic plastic figures, toys and others. Decorative goods intended for the interior decoration and the exposure prevail. Changes in the range of goods at present (as well as during the previous periods) are conditioned the most often with the customer requirements. New kinds of folk ceramics appear along with the traditional varieties. Decoration of pottery gets a lot of new versions concerning the use of the motifs and their interpretation. The craftsmen try often to modernize traditional assortment, combining things into the sets for milk, borscht, varenyky, cabbage rolls, etc. The earthenware of traditional forms for a certain centre are included almost into all sets of plates and dishes. We can see a peculiarly wide range in the sets of toy wares. The authoress is analyzing changes, those have happened in the use of such traditional for folk ceramics dishes as crock, makitra, jug, bowl and others. It is concluded, that modern potters continue to make traditional things – both utilitarian and decorative. Few folk potters follow ancient patterns. Many craftsmen with a special professional education try to work in the traditions of own centres. Nowadays there are also amateurs in this sphere. They are not descended from the potter’s centres and don’t have a special education. Their works also deserve scholars’ attention. Modern potters make quite a wide range of ceramics, which, despite the changes of functions, is demanded by the population. It should even if partly preserve traditions of ceramics of Ukrainians.