Horezu Ceramics

One of the most well-known symbols of Romanian is Horezu ceramics. The motifs used to decorate this traditional pottery are inspired by nature and capture the Hurricane, the tree, the snake, the snow, the leaf, the sun, the star, the spike, the double spiral, the tree of life or the peacock.

The most famous representation of nature is that which reveals in all its beauty, the Rooster. This symbol has ancient ritual significance, having the role of warning and protecting it from the unknown. Besides the role of the horology that has been done for so many centuries, the Rooster symbolizes the pride and beauty of nature as well. That is why in each representation it appears either informally or colorfully. Moreover, its place of honor is in the center of the ceramic vessel, which emphasizes the main role in the structure of the decor. Often this symbol is used circularly, meaning the motifs are placed on the edge of the plate, which is popularly called “Hora Cocosilor”.

Other things common on Romanian ceramics are leaves, clover, beards or wheat. The clover is associated with luck, the tree with immortality, while the wheat is related to prosperity. Placing these vessels in the home is intended to protect the inhabitants and to create a good atmosphere.

From RFAF

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Horezu ceramics is a unique type of Romanian pottery that is traditionally produced by hand around the town of Horezu in northern Oltenia (Vâlcea County), close to the famous Horezu Monastery. It reflects many generations of knowledge and skills development of pottery, which is why the craftsmanship of Horezu pottery was inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in December 2012.

Production is divided into male and female fabrication processes. Therefore, men extract the earth, which is then cleaned, cut, watered, kneaded, trampled and mixed – transforming it into red clay that potters form in a special finger technique requiring concentration, strength and agility. Each potter has his own technique of shaping, but each respects the sequence of the process. The women decorate the shaped ceramics before firing with special techniques and tools in order to draw traditional motifs. Their skills in combining decoration and color determines the personality and uniqueness of these pieces. Colors are bright shades of brown, red, green, blue and so called "Horezu ivory". Horezu potters use many traditional tools like a mixer for cleaning the earth, a pottery wheel and comb for shaping, a hollowed-out bull’s horn and a fine wire-tipped stick for decoration, and a wood-burning stove for firing.

This ancient craft is preserved in the ancestral hearth, now known as Olari Street of Horezu, where artisans shape the clay into the same painstaking process as their ancestors did. Horezu is a singular historical Romanian ceramic center in which this trade remained the main source of income for many families of potters such as: Ogrezeanu, Vicsoreanu, Iorga, Frigura, Mischiu, Popa etc. Today this craftsmanship is transmitted as always in the family circle, but also in workshops from master to apprentice, and pottery festivals and exhibitions.