Zsolnay (Hungary)

by **R.Ferrao** June 6th 2011, 1:09 pm

Zsolnay factory is established in Pécs, Hungary, and has been labouring since 1853. The applied art movement which began in Hungary in the latter half of the 19th century had both artistic and industrial growth as its objective, and Zsolnay achieved a great success meeting these goals by embracing the Secessionist aesthetics with significant originality.
I'm going to post some pictures of pieces made at second half of the XX century.
Here we have an Eosin figurine - "The Thinker" (1962), designed by Janos Török.

23x11 cm

by **R.Ferrao** June 6th 2011, 2:08 pm

Some Eosin Beetles from the Budapest Decorative Arts Museum.
I took these pictures a few years ago, so I don't know if they're still on display.

Zsolnay (Hungary) Zsolna13

by **R.Ferrao** June 6th 2011, 2:27 pm

A small Eosin hedgehog from the 1960s.

Zsolnay (Hungary) Ouriao10

Here I try to show the Eosin iridescent tones which I find quite striking and the factory mark, very dificult to spot:

Zsolnay (Hungary) Marca10

by **R.Ferrao** June 6th 2011, 2:55 pm

The Budapest Decorative Arts Museum has a large Zsolnay collection and even the building is covered with 19th century Zsolnay tiles:

Zsolnay (Hungary) 123-2310

Here is a display of 50s and 60s pieces mostly design by Janos Török:

Zsolnay (Hungary) 14_mna10

by **fuzzyedges** June 6th 2011, 3:11 pm

Two more from jason Torok
The "flambe"style one is called resting
The other is the bass player but I reckon its more cello player He is also done in different finishes
Ive never seen the bass player with a complete bow mine has 1/4inch missing from the end . Must have been a very delicate piece to make
The art nouveau style vase (1960/70) is in the ecosin finish but I dont know the designer
Zsolnay (Hungary) IMG_6108

Zsolnay is prononced jerni I am told but being a yorkshire lad its zolnay

by **R.Ferrao** June 6th 2011, 3:31 pm

Beautiful pieces!! I think your vase must be designed by Lajos Mack (1876-1963) but I'm not sure. Last time I was in Budapest, I also attempted to pronounce Zsolnay correctly, but it was impossible. Zolnay it is! Surrender

by **tenpot** June 7th 2011, 10:28 am

I'm of to Budapest for a weeksoon any other tips of places to visit?

by **R.Ferrao** June 7th 2011, 4:39 pm

Hi tenpot, it depends on your taste. I wouldn't fail Hotel Gellért, the Széchenyi Baths, the Beaux-Artes Museum , the Parliament and the Ludwig Museum (it has a great Contemporary Art colection). Also they have great shops for Deco pieces, you should check Váci Street. Have a nice trip! Happy

by **tenpot** June 7th 2011, 5:16 pm

thanks R.Ferrao that looks like quite a few things I definately want to see the conptemporary art and of course ceramics

by Marshall June 30th 2011, 2:16 pm

How to pronounce Zsolnay:

"Zs" is like the English "s" in "leisure" or the French "j" in "je".
"o" is like the English "o" in "box".
"l" and "n" are as in English.
"ay" is like the English "eye".

The emphasis, as in all Hungarian words, is on the first syllable.

My partner is Hungarian, so you can be sure this is right!

by Marshall June 30th 2011, 2:22 pm

Tenpot, if you have time take a day trip to Szentendre, a pretty village not far from Budapest, with a museum devoted to the Hungarian potter Margit Kovacs.

by **tenpot** June 30th 2011, 5:04 pm

that was a bit late Marshall I just got back but did manage the Kovacs Margit museum at szentendre saw a lot of Jornay pottery as well but didnt buy any

by **dantheman** June 30th 2011, 5:07 pm

did you take photos? Jumping For Joy

by **tenpot** June 30th 2011, 5:14 pm

a few

l

by **dantheman** June 30th 2011, 5:16 pm

wow that shape is awesome

by **R.Ferrao** June 30th 2011, 9:00 pm

Please show us more Tenpot Shocked

by Marshall July 5th 2011, 10:14 am

A correction on pronunciation. (I checked with my Hungarian partner):

"Zs" is like the English "s" in "leisure" or the French "j" in "je".
"o" is like the English "o" in "box".
"l" and "n" are as in English.
"ay" is like the English "eye" + English "ee", as in "meek".

So, three syllables, with the emphasis on the first.