2026-03-19
For over a decade, Bolesławiec has been attracting crowds of visitors from abroad – though not necessarily from Europe, but from South Korea and Japan. According to the local Museum of Ceramics, the town is regularly visited not only by tourists, but also by Japanese television crews, journalists and representatives of publishing houses.
Furthermore, LOT Polish Airlines serves meals on Bolesławiec plates to passengers travelling specifically between Poland and Japan. These meal sets also feature previously unseen elements of traditional Polish tableware, such as decorated hashioki chopstick rests.
Where does this fascination with Polish art among Koreans and Japanese stem from?
In the case of Korea, a key clue may be buncheong: a type of stoneware that originated there in the 15th century. Unlike simple white porcelain, which was also gaining popularity at the time, buncheong stoneware were decorated using a variety of techniques, giving them a rustic, poetic character. Bolesławiec pottery fits into this aesthetic – as it is hand-painted, it bears traces of minor imperfections that bring to mind both buncheong and the Japanese wabi-sabi.
The Eastern culinary tradition is also of significant value. The way dishes are served in Korea and Japan encourages the collection of small ceramic vessels. In both cultures, meals are usually accompanied by various side dishes – okazu in Japanese and banchan in Korean – each of which is served separately.
The Japanese tradition of omiyage – bringing back souvenirs for family and colleagues from one’s travels – is also a significant factor. This may partly explain why the Japanese are so keen on ceramics from Bolesławiec, which are not only a recognisable symbol of Polish culture but also a practical gift available in countless designs.