All about Dulevo porcelain

Cookware made of metal, plastic and other modern materials can be very practical. But in terms of decorative qualities, it is difficult to find a worthy alternative to porcelain products. They do it in our country, and, moreover, it is no worse than in the recognized world centers of this industry.

The main Russian factory specializing in earthenware and porcelain in various forms is the factory in Likino-Dulyovo. It releases:

• dishes;
• souvenirs;
• sculptural products.

The city of Likino-Dulyovo is located in the Moscow region, or rather, in the Orekhovo-Zuevsky district. The launch of production took place in 1832 at the initiative of the merchant T. Ya. Kuznetsov. Then the area where the enterprise was located was called the Dulyovo wasteland. This territory received the status of a city only in 1937. But already at the first stage, the Dulevo porcelain factory thundered literally all over Russia.

After 20 years, it has become one of the main centers of porcelain and ceramic production in our country. In 1864 M.S.Kuznetsov became the owner of the enterprise. Under him it is possible to achieve the highest development in the 19th century. The involved specialists and scrupulous study of the technology allowed us to make products with impeccable technical characteristics. Since 1918, the enterprise has been on the next rise.

Already in the first years after the nationalization, a radical reconstruction took place, an adjacent factory of special paints was created. The mechanization of all workshops begins and is completed rather quickly. An art laboratory has been operating since 1932. For 15 years (1918-1932), it is possible not only to cope with the initial difficulties, but also to block the peak output of 1913 by 3 times.

But this was only the beginning of the enterprise's path. In the 1930s, attention was paid not only to the quantity of products, but also to their artistic performance. Manages to achieve a qualitatively new aesthetic level (which is reflected in the exposition of the factory museum). Names such as P.V. Leonov (painting), Mukhiguli and Strochilin (original forms of containers) entered the history of Likino-Dulyovo forever. Sculptures and small figurines of Sotnikov, Kozhin, Bogdanova also became a very remarkable achievement in their time.

Well-known painters and sculptors collaborated with the plant at that time. His products were highly appreciated abroad as well, even being awarded gold medals at world exhibitions. At the end of the 1930s, a transition to a new style of painting, expressing more emotions, is planned. For obvious reasons, the updated concept was fully implemented only in the 1950s. It is again worth noting the contribution of the legendary Leonov, and in particular, his iconic service "Golden Deer".

In the 1950s, a new approach was actively developed in Likino-Dulyovo - borrowing motives from old Russian folklore and using classical ornaments... They began to give preference to a contrasting palette of bright colors. During this period, the usual color scheme for modern Dulevo porcelain dominates:

• selenium;
• blue;
• green tone.

Experienced artists and sculptors continue to be attracted to cooperation. In the 1960s, another design trend emerged. Some of the decorators tried to shade the white porcelain surfaces with soft pastel painting. Both golden strokes and simple geometry have been used in this approach.

The 1970s were accompanied by the use of sketches with natural landscapes and field plants. In 1991 the plant was privatized and a production cooperative was formed. But in the new reality, porcelain from Likino-Dulyovo is losing its former popularity. The demand for the products quickly dropped, and by the early 2010s, the plant eked out a miserable existence. Only feverish efforts and accelerated reconstruction (with the abandonment of outdated and insufficiently economical equipment) saved the enterprise from complete collapse.

Simultaneously with the completion of the reconstruction, in late autumn 2014, the factory museum opens. It exhibits the unique works of many famous creators. Since 2015, there has been a renaissance, and every year the number of products sold is growing. However, it is unclear exactly when the previous production records will be broken. But it's time to move on to a more important topic - the porcelain assortment.

Likino-Dulyovo products began to be covered with special monograms and signs for a long time, almost from the very beginning of the plant's existence. Even then, there were more than enough people who wanted to falsify popular products. What the company produces now is sold primarily through the main company store.

Its first floor offers visitors tea sets and tea pairs. You can buy a tea service for at least 700 rubles (for 6 people). The most expensive sets are priced at 20 thousand. Porcelain lovers point out that the most popular and interesting solutions cannot cost less than 3000 rubles.

In Likino-Dulyovo, they also make a variety of table sets. There is plenty to choose from, and the prices are quite reasonable. Dishes displayed on the second floor of the store are sold by the piece. There you can find:

• plates;
• teapots;
• salad bowls;
• cups;
• Bakeware;
• cups-glasses.

Along with old Russian ornaments, Likino-Dulevo designers also mastered Uzbek-style motifs. In any case, all sets and individual pieces are very well thought out. So, tea set "Cherry" consists of 14 items and is designed for 6 users. According to the manufacturer, this set fits perfectly into quiet family evenings. The official description is especially noted for the colorful design and impressive realism.

Set "Ledum" includes the same composition and at the same time is able to make any holiday, any romantic evening a truly idyllic time. The developers were able to ensure that he created extremely pleasant associations. If you do not limit yourself to the summer cottage services, then you can pay attention, for example, to "Blooming strawberries". This set includes:

• teapot;
• tea pair;
• sugar bowl.

There are also separate tea pairs in the assortment. A striking example of this is "Wild Rose". Also, the plant in Likino-Dulyovo manufactures:

• tea and coffee sets;
• saucers;
• sugar bowls;
• sets for children;
• glasses and saucers;
• mugs;
• decorative plates;
• vases;
• shtoffs;
• lamps made of porcelain.

The conversation about the positive and negative aspects of Dulevo porcelain should be divided into 2 parts. First, about porcelain in general. They are considered ideal for holidays and special occasions. When the mood is upbeat, when there are real reasons for joy, why not take advantage of the achievements of the ceramics industry. It is not for nothing that this type of tableware is found in the most pretentious places.

Quality products are exceptionally thin and even "let in the sun's rays"... At the same time, the mechanical strength of porcelain is superior to that of glass of the same thickness. But the first characteristic minus is immediately revealed - nevertheless, the mechanical resistance of porcelain is lacking. And even the first-class Dulevo technology, which has been worked out over many decades, does not allow this drawback to be "pulled out".

As for the decor, for a long time those products that were created in Likino-Dulyovo were underestimated by connoisseurs. Even the products of other domestic factories, the same Lomonosov one, were snobbishly reviled in high circles in the 19th century. Traditional Russian plots and motives, stylistic decisions were declared "terrible philistinism". But times are changing, and aristocratic snobs (like those who are already purely late Soviet followers) have sunk into oblivion. But porcelain, hand-painted in a traditional style, has survived all these violent attacks.

No wonder - the mass consumer is simply tired of the patterned designs using the decal technique. Even if they are even more varied and sometimes more sophisticated, they simply do not have a specific pleasant “soul”. At the same time, in comparison with the products of the same IPE, Dulevo products win (in comparable positions) by about 50%. Or, in some cases, even a little more. Colors may or may not be liked - but this is a purely individual question.

First of all, the brand appeared from the letters "ZK". It was used only from 1832 to 1840. Later (until 1860) cobalt hallmarks were used. Since 1864, for 25 years, the company's products have been marked with blue overglaze marks MSK and KFM. Over the next 2 decades, a completely different brand was used. And from 1962 to this day, Likino-Dulyovo has been putting a graphic picture of a falcon on his porcelain dishes.

This practice began under the impression of the victory of the corresponding composition in 1958 at the Brussels exhibition. Knowing which logos were used as hallmarks over the years, it is possible to date porcelain items without any problems. The very first of the marks was pressed into the dough.But when choosing, it is important to pay attention not only to conventional signs.

A lot of people like the classic folk style. If it doesn't fit, you can choose another technique - the so-called decal. This method of manufacturing means transferring pictures from a stencil to porcelain. Do not think that all such products look lifeless - some of them are indisputably original. The third Dulevo technique that deserves attention is the application of characteristic "chintz" designs.

In addition to these moments, there are other subtleties that absolutely cannot be ignored. So, if possible, you should purchase dishes and other porcelain products in large specialized stores. The best ones are those that work directly from the manufacturer. Important: you should check the full name of each product and its appearance with the description on the official website. A high-quality product is very simply distinguished: through the wall, the mark applied to the opposite side should be clearly visible (with sufficient lighting).

Equally important is the melodic response that appears when hitting the surface. Connoisseurs take special wooden sticks for tapping. If they hit plain ceramics or earthenware, the sound is invariably muted. No tricks of the forgers can eliminate this symptom.

Simply choosing the right Dulevo product is not enough. Often, after a short time, it begins to grieve the owners. This is due, as a rule, to illiterate treatment. Porcelain, especially hand-painted (as in this case), is also washed only by hand, without resorting to the use of dishwashers. Even the most gentle of them do not work well enough. Therefore, the risk is too great that something will be damaged.

But washing by hand is very different. It is strictly forbidden to clean Dulevo porcelain by holding it suspended under running water. There is a high probability that you will have to deal with another identifying sign of quality material - the type of fragments. The dishes are placed in plastic containers in which soft towels are spread.

It is strictly forbidden to use boiling water or hot water. Only moderate temperature liquid will do. If the dishes have handles or thin parts, hold them by the body and underneath when washing. The use of household chemicals is, in principle, unacceptable. Baby soap is the only permitted option, although it should be diluted thoroughly with water or applied to a soft-haired brush.

Liquid ammonia helps to get rid of tarnished porcelain from stains and streaks. Outside, the dishes are scrubbed with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. As an alternative to it, diluted tooth powder is used.

To clean teapot spouts and other hard-to-reach areas, baby bottle brushes are commonly used. Unlike ordinary dishes, porcelain dishes cannot be soaked in water for a long time. Because of this, you can "finish badly" to cracks. For the same reason, strong friction should be avoided when washing. The soap and foam are washed off by gently pouring water over the containers at room temperature.

Once the porcelain is cleaned and wiped dry, it is immediately rubbed to a shine. If this is not done, stains and streaks may soon appear. And it's not easy to show up: dealing with them will already be much more difficult than usual. Dust is brushed off with coarse-bristled brushes. We repeat once again: all manipulations are done as carefully and accurately as possible, without any rush.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about Dulevo porcelain.