The interior in the Gzhel style can be safely attributed to one of the most extraordinary. Although designers rarely choose such a design, they have already managed to appreciate the potential of a colorful ornament. Gzhel, in the understanding of the layman, is a special type of painting mainly on china, which has long been practiced by Russian masters. In fact, this concept has several meanings. The word "gzhel" itself is uncharacteristic of the Russian language. It is believed that it was borrowed from the Baltic states. This name is carried by several rivers and a historical region located near Moscow. In the classical sense, gzhel refers to painting and a special type of clay, from which semi-faience, faience and porcelain are made. Let's talk about which elements of the interior are decorated with unusual patterns and how they generally appeared.
Gzhel: history and interesting facts of the development of fishing
Gzhel volost was famous for a special kind of clay, which was delivered to the royal court for the manufacture of alchemical (pharmaceutical) vessels. Local residents were masters of pottery, as raw materials for handicraft production were located literally underfoot. Even Lomonosov enthusiastically spoke about this clay and the purity of the places where it is received. Toward the beginning of the 19th century, in Russia there were already 25 factories for the production of dishes and toys. In those days, the surfaces of horses, dolls, miniature birds, jugs, plates, figurines were painted with purple, blue and yellow colors.
Patterns were made with floral motifs: flowers and leaves. Around the same time, factories began to manufacture semi-faience. Towards the 20th century, products began to be made exclusively from porcelain and its rougher appearance (faience), which were obtained all from the same white Gzhel clay. Their compositions were constantly improving. If a century ago such master dynasties as the Gusyatnikovs, Srosleys, Kokuns were listed among the owners of factories, then by the 20th century the production of ceramics was monopolized by the Kuznetsovs family. By this time, the traditional Gzhel pattern, made with blue and blue colors on a white background, finally settled down. The color scheme was borrowed from Delft painting on porcelain.
During the formation of the power of the soviets, factories were nationalized. In the first half of the 20th century, production of more than half of all Soviet porcelain was concentrated here. Gzhel fishing celebrated its 640th anniversary. However, in the 30-40s, porcelain production was in a deep crisis, like most of the country's industrial complex. Only after the 60s, it gradually began to be restored, returning to the previous shock pace.Gzhel is widely known not only in Russia but also abroad. Basically, porcelain products with a traditional Gzhel pattern are acquired as souvenirs.
Where is gzhel found
Gzhel can be seen not only on porcelain surfaces. Blue-blue floral patterns adorn curtains, bedspreads, pillows, wallpapers, furniture facades, flooring. At the moment, there are three types of Gzhel themes:
Ornament
This group includes blue-white "checkers", "antennae", "Christmas tree", "pearls" and "droplets". Such an ornament is usually launched along the rim of porcelain.
Vegetable
Here depict tree branches, berries, spikelets, bouquets and garlands of flowers, leaves.
Storyline
This theme is characterized by the image of the seasons and natural “scenes”.
In the center of the traditional pattern, blue-blue flowers are usually placed, which resemble bizarre frosty buds on a snow-white blanket of snow. Gzhel painting long ago came down from the surfaces of household elements and became part of the art of painting. The opinion that traditional Russian patterns are suitable only for the ethnic style of the same name is erroneous. In interior design, ornament and drawing are woven into the light design of French hinterland houses (Provence), into modern decoration (hi-tech, minimalism, Scandinavian) and even into a classic setting.
In Gzhel painting, the technique of applying paints and the color ratio in the composition are of great importance. The original method was called the "ABC of smears."
Textile
Gzhel roses, poppies, cornflowers and blue birds of paradise apply to the surface of bedspreads, pillowcases, tablecloths, curtains, napkins, rugs, towels and rugs. Since white background is traditionally used, similar interior details look very easy, airy and unobtrusive. Each designer knows that a large number of small elements heavily clutter up the space. With gzhel this rule does not work.Perhaps because the blue color has the property of “moving away” objects, visually increasing the distance to them, or maybe the reason is still in the restrained background, which makes the pattern more dynamic. Of course, you should not decorate the entire room with textile with gzhel. Just a couple of major accents are enough. For example, in the kitchen there are enough curtains, tablecloths and a couple of napkins or potholders. The decor is complemented by plain, striped blue-white textiles or decoration materials.
Crockery and serving sets
Gzhel patterns were originally used only for decorating porcelain products, among which the dishes took the first place. Of course, such decorations will look appropriate only in the kitchen, in the dining room and living room. Plates can be hung on a wall, fixed on supports or arranged artistically on the shelves of a sideboard, placing a large tureen, jug or salad bowl in the center. On holidays, the set will become a true decoration of the laid table and will go well with white tablecloths, napkins, fresh flowers in wicker baskets.
Tea sets, which were previously literally filled with sideboards, cause persistent associations with Soviet typical interiors. In order to make such dishes look modern in design, only one shelf is allocated for it, and in the neighborhood there is an additional stylish decor made of glass or steel. Napkins with blue-white patterns are in harmony with gray, yellow or light brown tablecloths. Cutting boards or sets of salt shakers, peppers and sugar bowls decorate the kitchen shelves.
Accessories and decor
Gzhel motifs can appear on the porcelain surfaces of figurines, vases, watches, bowls, caskets, candlesticks, chandeliers. Small decor is best placed in groups where it will be adjacent to similar monophonic details, but made in blue, blue or white, which will shade the ornament. Gzhel in the paintings and panels looks original.However, do not choose paintings of large sizes. Although Gzhel painting refers to painting, a large composition can suffer from the abundance of small details. If the wall is large, then it is better to use a group of small paintings.
Decoration Materials
Gzhel patterns can be found on wallpaper, decorative panels and ceramic tiles. Blue and white patterns decorate the walls and floor. The ceiling remains predominantly white. Gzhel is recommended to be introduced into the interiors a little, competently combining patterns with thematic paintings that adorn the surface of Chinese or Delft (Dutch) porcelain. Wallpaper is better to paste over only one wall or accent area. Moreover, a large print is not suitable for cramped, small rooms. The remaining surfaces are decorated with plain white, blue, gray wallpaper. Gzhel combines well with light wood and light gilding. Themed finishes are combined with elements of country, classic, Scandinavian styles. In the latter case, it turns out a rather unusual duet, without dynamics.
The fact is that blue, cyan and white are the basis of the color composition of Scandinavian interiors. Flowers in them are not so common, and the culture is far from ours. However, due to the similarities between Gzhel painting and frosty patterns on the walls, the “cold” style surprisingly “warmly” accepts classical Russian art. Acrylic panels finish kitchen aprons, areas above the headboards in the bedrooms, mobile partitions or separate areas in combined rooms. The glossy sheen of the surface gives the ornament austerity and solidity, like glaze on a porcelain vase.
Furniture
Furniture, the facades of which are decorated with Gzhel painting, is considered a bold decision. Any closet, chest of drawers or a table is easy to turn into a work of art yourself. It is enough to clean the surface of the furniture from old paint, sand it, if necessary, paint it white, and then apply either a painting or an image from napkins using the decoupage technique."Grandmother" chest of drawers or wardrobe will get a chance for a second youth and organically pour into Provence, Russian ethnic style, country, eclectic interiors.
Interior Design Options
Gzhel surprisingly combines elegance, depth and light solemnity. It integrates quite easily into interiors. The main thing is to observe a sense of proportion. Blue and white patterns will look brighter and more colorful if supplemented with a calm, neutral background. With a cobalt hue, the paintings are organically combined:
Black in small quantities.
Shades of brown.
Green (juicy shade).
Orange in small quantities.
Gilding, silver and bronze. Warm gold will make Gzhel painting softer, more comfortable. Silver and shades of gray give patterns austerity, solidity.
Yellow.
Coral.
If we consider the percentage of the Gzhel pattern and the rest (mainly monophonic) surfaces, then its share should not exceed 20%. The ornament is organically combined with simple geometric patterns: strip, cage, polka dots, rhombuses.
Kitchen
Gzhel is always associated with kitchens, which is not surprising, because the ornament was originally used to decorate dishes. You can consider these motifs native to this room. The basis of the color scheme of the kitchen will be blue, blue and white. The very shades that are classic for Gzhel painting. Since the kitchen has a complex microclimate, in this room the floor and partially the walls are tiled. Stack it in a complex pattern. To design accent areas (dining area, kitchen apron), generously decorated tiles are chosen, and the rest of the space is tiled with snow-white tiles with a light blue ornament. The remaining area of the walls is decorated with white, moisture-resistant plaster (textured can). Snow-white furniture set with simply decorated facades will resonate with the dining set (chairs and table).An additional color in this composition will be gray.
Silver handles on doors and drawers, a stainless steel hood, a metal holder for disposable towels and hooks for small utensils (skimmers, ladles) on the apron will be the finishing touches in the design picture. Blue curtains on the floor will be combined with original roller blinds from a textile canvas in a white and blue strip. A large white pot with a palm tree or a big bush will complete the decor. The table is covered with a blue tablecloth without a pattern, and a wicker basket with fresh fruits is placed in the center. The result is a stylish, modern interior that is not without grace, lightness and comfort.
Living room
In the living room, you can experiment and embody an eclectic trend, where Russian gzhel and marine style, close to it in color, are fancifully mixed. For example, a sofa, the upholstery of which is decorated with a floral pattern, will work well with a large picture that depicts the elements of the sea. In another embodiment, the accent wall is decorated with textured wallpaper, where each blue flower and leaf can literally be “touched” with your hands. If the owners do not intend to save on repairs, then the plastered surface can be painted (hire an artist). White walls are combined with light parquet or laminate. The composition permits careful introduction of dark wood (picture frames, chairs, shelving). The walls are decorated with bright painted plates. If the living room has a fireplace, then it is decorated with tiles with a Gzhel pattern. In blue and white porcelain vases are placed bouquets of wildflowers. Cornflowers or chicory inflorescences will look most effective.
Bedroom
When decorating the living room, Gzhel patterns decorate mainly textiles: upholstery, a bedspread, pillows, a rug near the bed, curtains. The walls are finished with white painted wood. Above the head of the bed, a group of panels is placed within a complex configuration.Instead of bedside tables, light racks with two shelves are used. On the countertops are paired fixtures with blue porcelain "legs" and white shades. Additionally, the room is decorated with groups of earthenware and glass vases of various shapes and colors (within the framework of the blue-white-blue palette). A thin striped rug covers most of the light flooring. Blue curtains with openwork edges are combined with a light, airy tulle without a pattern.
Bathroom
Gzhel patterns on the surface of the tiles are ideal for the bathroom. Firstly, white and blue are considered traditional colors for this room. Secondly, a tile with a thematic pattern is easy enough to find. A similar color scheme is suitable for spacious bathrooms in country houses, and for close combined bathrooms in apartments. So that the whole room does not seem clumsy decorated, you should combine a tile with an ornament with white tiles and densely painted with blue flowers. The interior is complemented by blue towels, lamps and light brown notes (wicker laundry basket, groups of paintings in frames, an open cupboard).
Conclusion
Porcelain collectors highly value decorative cats, birds, horses with riders, hares and cubs painted in the Gzhel style. Such miniature jewelry can be scattered around the apartment and arranged in pairs in different rooms. In fact, still unburnt porcelain is stained with cobalt oxide, which is black. After firing, the substance is restored and turns blue. In fakes, the surface is simply painted with ordinary paints, which subsequently quickly “peel off”, since they were not fixed by temperature. By the way, products must be double fired. After the first procedure, glaze is applied, and then fixed with a secondary heat treatment. Because of this, the products are durable and smooth.Gzhel is not only a type of painting, it is also a sign of quality.
The interior in the Gzhel style can be safely attributed to one of the most extraordinary. Although designers rarely choose such a design, they have already managed to appreciate the potential of a colorful ornament. Gzhel, in the understanding of the layman, is a special type of painting mainly on china, which has long been practiced by Russian masters. In fact, this concept has several meanings. The word "gzhel" itself is uncharacteristic of the Russian language. It is believed that it was borrowed from the Baltic states. This name is carried by several rivers and a historical region located near Moscow. In the classical sense, gzhel refers to painting and a special type of clay, from which semi-faience, faience and porcelain are made. Let's talk about which elements of the interior are decorated with unusual patterns and how they generally appeared.
Content
Gzhel: history and interesting facts of the development of fishing
Gzhel volost was famous for a special kind of clay, which was delivered to the royal court for the manufacture of alchemical (pharmaceutical) vessels. Local residents were masters of pottery, as raw materials for handicraft production were located literally underfoot. Even Lomonosov enthusiastically spoke about this clay and the purity of the places where it is received. Toward the beginning of the 19th century, in Russia there were already 25 factories for the production of dishes and toys. In those days, the surfaces of horses, dolls, miniature birds, jugs, plates, figurines were painted with purple, blue and yellow colors.
Patterns were made with floral motifs: flowers and leaves. Around the same time, factories began to manufacture semi-faience. Towards the 20th century, products began to be made exclusively from porcelain and its rougher appearance (faience), which were obtained all from the same white Gzhel clay. Their compositions were constantly improving. If a century ago such master dynasties as the Gusyatnikovs, Srosleys, Kokuns were listed among the owners of factories, then by the 20th century the production of ceramics was monopolized by the Kuznetsovs family. By this time, the traditional Gzhel pattern, made with blue and blue colors on a white background, finally settled down. The color scheme was borrowed from Delft painting on porcelain.
During the formation of the power of the soviets, factories were nationalized. In the first half of the 20th century, production of more than half of all Soviet porcelain was concentrated here. Gzhel fishing celebrated its 640th anniversary. However, in the 30-40s, porcelain production was in a deep crisis, like most of the country's industrial complex. Only after the 60s, it gradually began to be restored, returning to the previous shock pace.Gzhel is widely known not only in Russia but also abroad. Basically, porcelain products with a traditional Gzhel pattern are acquired as souvenirs.
Where is gzhel found
Gzhel can be seen not only on porcelain surfaces. Blue-blue floral patterns adorn curtains, bedspreads, pillows, wallpapers, furniture facades, flooring. At the moment, there are three types of Gzhel themes:
In the center of the traditional pattern, blue-blue flowers are usually placed, which resemble bizarre frosty buds on a snow-white blanket of snow. Gzhel painting long ago came down from the surfaces of household elements and became part of the art of painting. The opinion that traditional Russian patterns are suitable only for the ethnic style of the same name is erroneous. In interior design, ornament and drawing are woven into the light design of French hinterland houses (Provence), into modern decoration (hi-tech, minimalism, Scandinavian) and even into a classic setting.
Textile
Gzhel roses, poppies, cornflowers and blue birds of paradise apply to the surface of bedspreads, pillowcases, tablecloths, curtains, napkins, rugs, towels and rugs. Since white background is traditionally used, similar interior details look very easy, airy and unobtrusive. Each designer knows that a large number of small elements heavily clutter up the space. With gzhel this rule does not work.Perhaps because the blue color has the property of “moving away” objects, visually increasing the distance to them, or maybe the reason is still in the restrained background, which makes the pattern more dynamic. Of course, you should not decorate the entire room with textile with gzhel. Just a couple of major accents are enough. For example, in the kitchen there are enough curtains, tablecloths and a couple of napkins or potholders. The decor is complemented by plain, striped blue-white textiles or decoration materials.
Crockery and serving sets
Gzhel patterns were originally used only for decorating porcelain products, among which the dishes took the first place. Of course, such decorations will look appropriate only in the kitchen, in the dining room and living room. Plates can be hung on a wall, fixed on supports or arranged artistically on the shelves of a sideboard, placing a large tureen, jug or salad bowl in the center. On holidays, the set will become a true decoration of the laid table and will go well with white tablecloths, napkins, fresh flowers in wicker baskets.
Tea sets, which were previously literally filled with sideboards, cause persistent associations with Soviet typical interiors. In order to make such dishes look modern in design, only one shelf is allocated for it, and in the neighborhood there is an additional stylish decor made of glass or steel. Napkins with blue-white patterns are in harmony with gray, yellow or light brown tablecloths. Cutting boards or sets of salt shakers, peppers and sugar bowls decorate the kitchen shelves.
Accessories and decor
Gzhel motifs can appear on the porcelain surfaces of figurines, vases, watches, bowls, caskets, candlesticks, chandeliers. Small decor is best placed in groups where it will be adjacent to similar monophonic details, but made in blue, blue or white, which will shade the ornament. Gzhel in the paintings and panels looks original.However, do not choose paintings of large sizes. Although Gzhel painting refers to painting, a large composition can suffer from the abundance of small details. If the wall is large, then it is better to use a group of small paintings.
Decoration Materials
Gzhel patterns can be found on wallpaper, decorative panels and ceramic tiles. Blue and white patterns decorate the walls and floor. The ceiling remains predominantly white. Gzhel is recommended to be introduced into the interiors a little, competently combining patterns with thematic paintings that adorn the surface of Chinese or Delft (Dutch) porcelain. Wallpaper is better to paste over only one wall or accent area. Moreover, a large print is not suitable for cramped, small rooms. The remaining surfaces are decorated with plain white, blue, gray wallpaper. Gzhel combines well with light wood and light gilding. Themed finishes are combined with elements of country, classic, Scandinavian styles. In the latter case, it turns out a rather unusual duet, without dynamics.
The fact is that blue, cyan and white are the basis of the color composition of Scandinavian interiors. Flowers in them are not so common, and the culture is far from ours. However, due to the similarities between Gzhel painting and frosty patterns on the walls, the “cold” style surprisingly “warmly” accepts classical Russian art. Acrylic panels finish kitchen aprons, areas above the headboards in the bedrooms, mobile partitions or separate areas in combined rooms. The glossy sheen of the surface gives the ornament austerity and solidity, like glaze on a porcelain vase.
Furniture
Furniture, the facades of which are decorated with Gzhel painting, is considered a bold decision. Any closet, chest of drawers or a table is easy to turn into a work of art yourself. It is enough to clean the surface of the furniture from old paint, sand it, if necessary, paint it white, and then apply either a painting or an image from napkins using the decoupage technique."Grandmother" chest of drawers or wardrobe will get a chance for a second youth and organically pour into Provence, Russian ethnic style, country, eclectic interiors.
Interior Design Options
Gzhel surprisingly combines elegance, depth and light solemnity. It integrates quite easily into interiors. The main thing is to observe a sense of proportion. Blue and white patterns will look brighter and more colorful if supplemented with a calm, neutral background. With a cobalt hue, the paintings are organically combined:
If we consider the percentage of the Gzhel pattern and the rest (mainly monophonic) surfaces, then its share should not exceed 20%. The ornament is organically combined with simple geometric patterns: strip, cage, polka dots, rhombuses.
Kitchen
Gzhel is always associated with kitchens, which is not surprising, because the ornament was originally used to decorate dishes. You can consider these motifs native to this room. The basis of the color scheme of the kitchen will be blue, blue and white. The very shades that are classic for Gzhel painting. Since the kitchen has a complex microclimate, in this room the floor and partially the walls are tiled. Stack it in a complex pattern. To design accent areas (dining area, kitchen apron), generously decorated tiles are chosen, and the rest of the space is tiled with snow-white tiles with a light blue ornament. The remaining area of the walls is decorated with white, moisture-resistant plaster (textured can). Snow-white furniture set with simply decorated facades will resonate with the dining set (chairs and table).An additional color in this composition will be gray.
Silver handles on doors and drawers, a stainless steel hood, a metal holder for disposable towels and hooks for small utensils (skimmers, ladles) on the apron will be the finishing touches in the design picture. Blue curtains on the floor will be combined with original roller blinds from a textile canvas in a white and blue strip. A large white pot with a palm tree or a big bush will complete the decor. The table is covered with a blue tablecloth without a pattern, and a wicker basket with fresh fruits is placed in the center. The result is a stylish, modern interior that is not without grace, lightness and comfort.
Living room
In the living room, you can experiment and embody an eclectic trend, where Russian gzhel and marine style, close to it in color, are fancifully mixed. For example, a sofa, the upholstery of which is decorated with a floral pattern, will work well with a large picture that depicts the elements of the sea. In another embodiment, the accent wall is decorated with textured wallpaper, where each blue flower and leaf can literally be “touched” with your hands. If the owners do not intend to save on repairs, then the plastered surface can be painted (hire an artist). White walls are combined with light parquet or laminate. The composition permits careful introduction of dark wood (picture frames, chairs, shelving). The walls are decorated with bright painted plates. If the living room has a fireplace, then it is decorated with tiles with a Gzhel pattern. In blue and white porcelain vases are placed bouquets of wildflowers. Cornflowers or chicory inflorescences will look most effective.
Bedroom
When decorating the living room, Gzhel patterns decorate mainly textiles: upholstery, a bedspread, pillows, a rug near the bed, curtains. The walls are finished with white painted wood. Above the head of the bed, a group of panels is placed within a complex configuration.Instead of bedside tables, light racks with two shelves are used. On the countertops are paired fixtures with blue porcelain "legs" and white shades. Additionally, the room is decorated with groups of earthenware and glass vases of various shapes and colors (within the framework of the blue-white-blue palette). A thin striped rug covers most of the light flooring. Blue curtains with openwork edges are combined with a light, airy tulle without a pattern.
Bathroom
Gzhel patterns on the surface of the tiles are ideal for the bathroom. Firstly, white and blue are considered traditional colors for this room. Secondly, a tile with a thematic pattern is easy enough to find. A similar color scheme is suitable for spacious bathrooms in country houses, and for close combined bathrooms in apartments. So that the whole room does not seem clumsy decorated, you should combine a tile with an ornament with white tiles and densely painted with blue flowers. The interior is complemented by blue towels, lamps and light brown notes (wicker laundry basket, groups of paintings in frames, an open cupboard).
Conclusion
Porcelain collectors highly value decorative cats, birds, horses with riders, hares and cubs painted in the Gzhel style. Such miniature jewelry can be scattered around the apartment and arranged in pairs in different rooms. In fact, still unburnt porcelain is stained with cobalt oxide, which is black. After firing, the substance is restored and turns blue. In fakes, the surface is simply painted with ordinary paints, which subsequently quickly “peel off”, since they were not fixed by temperature. By the way, products must be double fired. After the first procedure, glaze is applied, and then fixed with a secondary heat treatment. Because of this, the products are durable and smooth.Gzhel is not only a type of painting, it is also a sign of quality.