Sgraffito pottery

The Bulgarians encountered sgraffito pottery in the twelfth century through Byzantine influence; Byzantium had brought the technique from the Middle East. Sgraffito is a process in which pottery is decorated in several stages. The vessels are coated in white or pale pink slip, into which the desired motifs are incised. After firing, the object is covered in transparent and coloured glazes.

Unlike in other societies, sgraffito pottery in medieval Bulgaria was not restricted to the elite. It was found in royal palaces as well as village homes. A characteristic feature of this art is its use both as tableware and as decoration on interior walls.

Sgraffito decoration includes elaborate geometric, plant and animal motifs: trees, branches, fruit, birds, fish, lions, peacocks, griffins and other mythical creatures. Bulgarian sgraffito ornament has parallels in medieval painting, carving, carpet weaving, coppersmithing and goldsmithing. All these arts are distinctive expressions of Bulgarian taste and cultural heritage.