Gzhel, not far from the city of Moscow, is well-known for rich deposits of fine clays suitable for the making of quality pottery. The Gzhel district is situated on the territories of Bronnitsky and Bogorodskoye districts. Some 60 villages in this neighborhood have long been engaged in the manufacture of wonderful china, faience, sem-faience and majolica. The area's dense sprawling forests provide an endless supply of firewood for the kilns. Indeed, in the very name of Gzhel one hears an alliterative association with "zhech", the Russian word for "burn".
The first pottery workshop was established by Pavel Kulikov over 200 years ago. All the elements were locally produced: kilns, paints and brushes. A rich tradition of style was built up over many generations by hundreds of master potters and artists. Each piece is a decorative work of art.