Explore the centuries-old Gzhel porcelain traditions

During this captivating tour you will observe all the stages of creating a classic Gzhel porcelain item, starting with making sketches, selecting the finest ones and then making a first sample. You will see slip forming, casting, painting and two firings - before and after the painting. After the first firing, the items are checked for flaws: each of them is put in a special fuschia-coloured solution, which makes the tiniest details visible. During the visit, marvel at exciting transformations of colours and shapes: the famous bright cobalt colour looks like a dusty grey powder, and during the firing, the items shrink by up to 20-30 percent. When overglaze colours are used, the items go through a third firing. The pattern is then painted over the glazing, often with golden accents, which dazzle when taken out of the kiln.