Bowl of the “Tea Saucer” Type

Poltava Region, Opishnia. Made by I. Hladyrevskyi. 

The bowl has a rounded shape with a low rim and a glazed interior. The central area is decorated with a vegetal ornament executed using the horn decoration and underglaze painting techniques characteristic of Opishnia pottery. The composition consists of stylised floral motifs arranged in a cross-shaped pattern around the centre. The ornament is rendered in green and brown tones with dark contour lines against a light background, creating a pronounced decorative effect. Colours: dark brown, blue, green, and yellow. The base bears the maker’s mark: “ГЛАДЫРЕВСКІЙ ОПОШНЯ”.

The work of Ivan Hladyrevskyi is characterised by the careful preservation of traditional Opishnia forms and motifs combined with an individual interpretation of ornament. The master used established elements of folk symbolism, including flowers, leaves, and rosettes, which in Ukrainian culture were associated with fertility, prosperity, and the continuity of life.

The object belongs to traditional tableware and combines a utilitarian function with distinctive features of Ukrainian folk decorative art.

Provenance: From the museum collection, acquired before the Second World War.