Vasylkiv Majolica Kumanets Flowers

Ukraine 1960-70, brand Vasylkovskaya, material glazed majolica ceramic, cm base 15x8 height 34

In a time when folk art spoke volumes through color and form, this exceptional glazed ceramic jug—a classic Kumanets vessel—was born at the renowned Vasylkiv Majolica Factory in Ukraine during the 1960s–70s.
Made from molded clay and hand-painted using the underglaze technique, this piece is a true collector’s item. Its soft, flowing lines, deep earth-toned glazes in rich greens and browns, and the presence of a noble craquelure (a fine network of age-related surface cracks in the glaze) all attest to its authenticity and vintage character.

Behind this work are the names of two giants in Ukrainian ceramic art: Valery and Nadezhda Protoriev, celebrated artists whose legacy helped shape a unique artistic style in majolica. For over four decades since 1950s, they worked at the Vasylkiv factory, producing pieces that are now considered national treasures.
The leading artists of the Vasilkovsky factory were Mikhail Denisenko, Valery and Nadezhda Protorievs, Nelli Isupova. Vasilkovskaya majolica occupied an outstanding place in the Soviet Union and was highly valued and appreciated abroad, since its artistic quality is not inferior to the best world examples.


This particular Kumanets not only represents an important part of Soviet-era decorative arts, but was also highly regarded at the time—so much so that the Ministry of Culture acquired pieces directly from the factory for museums and cultural foundations. Today, the largest collection of the Protorievs’ work is housed at the National Museum of Ukrainian Folk and Decorative Art.

CE-04-0007 - available