The unfired jug is already more than 4 metres tall; during firing, it will shrink to approximately 3.30 metres. It will be fired in a traditional wood-fired kiln. The firing will take place from 19 to 21 August. Once fired, the jug will be placed in Bolesławiec’s Market Square.

Budowa największego pieca w PolsceBudowa największego pieca w Polsce • Krzysztof Gwizdała

The jug commemorates the traditional art of ceramic craftsmanship associated with Bolesławiec. The sculpture was created by Mateusz Grobelny, who works daily at the Bolesławiec Cultural Centre – International Ceramics Centre. The artist was inspired by the former “Joppe Master’s Jug”. Joppe’s pot was a historic monument and symbol of the city for a long time.

The jug made by Mateusz Grobelny will emphasise Bolesławiec’s character. The glaze will be white and cobalt blue. These are colours characteristic of local ceramics. The jug will also be Poland’s largest ceramic jug fired in a wood-fired kiln.

Mateusz Grobelny w trakcie budowy największego pieca w PolsceMateusz Grobelny w trakcie budowy największego pieca w Polsce • Krzysztof Gwizdała

Stage 1 – Building the jug

  1. preparing the construction site and levelling the ground
  2. building the base – the kiln grate beneath the jug
  3. preparing the clay body for forming the jug
  4. preparing a wooden jug-shaped template to maintain symmetry
  5. building the jug on the constructed framework
  6. partially drying and glazing the inside of the jug
  7. glazing the outside in white, blue and light blue

Stage 2 – Building the kiln and firing the jug during the Ceramic Festival

  1. building the firebox chambers, flues and grates
  2. installing the steel ring beneath the kiln
  3. welding the kiln structure
  4. installing a structure around the jug to protect it
  5. welding the chimneys
  6. installing blowers beneath the fireboxes
  7. partially drying the jug for 3 days
  8. starting the firing at a temperature above 1,100°C
  9. the firing reaches its peak on the evening of Saturday, 20 August 2016

Stage 3 – Installation on the Market Square paving

  1. enclosing the jug in a steel “cage”
  2. positioning and levelling it on the pedestal
  3. preparing the site and foundation for the pedestal
  4. building the pedestal’s shaft
  5. covering the pedestal with paving stones like those on the Market Square
  6. installing the jug on the pedestal and concreting it to the base
  7. placing a lid on the jug and protecting it against weather conditions
  8. installing a commemorative plaque