Фаянс от Мелник
Faience from Melnik

Summary/Abstract: In the course of archaeological studies of cultural strata dating back to the period of Ottoman domination and the National Revival in Melnik, faience vessels sometimes come to light, fragments of them and more rarely intact pieces. Most of them are Ottoman 16th-19th century stuff from centres in Asia Minor, Iznik, Damascus and Kutahya. Interpretation of individual examples of Ottoman faience vessels and the characteristic features of vessels from all three centres lead to conclusions about the spread of faience as fine tableware in the life of the Christian population of Melnik and the town's brisk trade within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire and with the West European countries. Faience wares reached Melnik by way of trade during the period of Ottoman domination. This was conditioned by the socio-economic changes which set in in the period from the 16th to the 18th century. They led to prosperity in all spheres — the building of houses and churches, the crafts and trade — and paved the way for the National Revival in the mid-18th century.

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