Horezu is one of those many Romanian heavenly locations, where people are genuine and traditions are still preserved. The Monastery of Horezu, foundedin 1690 by Wallachian Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, is an official UNESCO World Heritage monument
What made Horezu so popular around the world is not this incredible Christian monument, but the pottery.
The Horezu pottery has its roots in the dawns of the time. This craft becomes art in the hands of the villagers, who keep the tradition from generation to generation.
The pottery is shaped using the traditional kick-wheel. Usually men form the objects and women give the finishing touch, decorating them. The clay pottery is first decorated with simple symbols and motifs, from which the most popular being the Horezu Rooster – Cocosul de Hurez.
Other popular motifs include the spiral, the star, the house’s snake, the tree of life, the lost way and ripple motifs.
The colors are natural and the tools used are conventional too: cow horns and the quill (goose feather). The most common colors are brown, red, orange and green. After decoration the pottery is burned in traditional kilns made of clay bricks and twigs. At last, the pots are covered with a special enamel material and backed for the second time.
The color of the pottery is given by special clays brought from hills in the village (white earth) and from hills in the neighbor villages (red and brown). They clay is prepared through a traditional technique and not used immediately. The clay needs to yeast for a while – big clay balls are broken into small particles through a wetting-drying process.
As an avid plate collector and lover I could get lost here 😉
Lu
Oh, it’s not that big… there is however a nice exhibition in Iasi. You could get lost there… indeed! 🙂
Nancy says
Does anyone know how one in the states could possible order some? I have found some great things in the states to put away for my daughter and she fell in love with this potter?
kaybee says
What a beautiful site — thank you! Because I lived in Bucharest for almost 10 years and am ‘homesick’ for the beauty of Romania and her people I was searchng for blogs on Romania. I came across many, but none like yours. Thank you for reminding me, again, of all I am missing. While I was there, I didn’t travel so much through the country, and now I wish I had — but I can, through your blog! I have many momentos, including the painted eggs, needlework and some of the pottery shown in this blog scattered throughout my home, but it is wonderful to read of the history of people and customs. Keep up the great work. I will return to your blog, and maybe one day to Romania!
Kaybee, you don’t know how much your comment means to me! I’ve started this blog to reveal the beauty of my country and some of the values that don’t deserve to be forgotten or ignored. I’ve never dreamed that foreigners who actually lived in Romania would find it and enjoy it. I promise I’ll continue writing about Romania for you and for all those who enjoy reading these stories. You brought tears of joy in my eyes, Kaybee. It’s nice to know that a work of love actually echoes in another heart. Thank you!
Nancy, the only site I know is Perinita - they ship internationally, but I can already tell you that the prices are a little bit too high in comparison to what you pay for the same thing in Romania. Did you try ebay?
Thank you for continuing the wonderful portrayals of your country - you are bringing it alive for me. I knew so little about Romania which I now see was a regretful gap in my knowledge.
Kaybee says
Mihaela, where are you? We are missing you and your wonderful posts, very much!
Sorry Kathy - I had a little vacation. I am back now. 🙂
Razvan says
http://www.arta-ceramica.ro is from Horezu producer, litle price ,great quality, ship internationally, online paypal payment