Russian Pottery

To most potters, it's not surprising that many of the items made of clay in Russia were similar to the shapes of those items being made elsewhere in the world. Items were made that were plain or fancy with utilitarian function. Cooking pots, pitchers, jugs, bowls, cups and various other items have been found that are made of clay from the medieval period.

Here's a cup that was found in Kiev. I find it interesting that a shape used for drinking has remained so unchanged over the centuries.

This shallow bowl or dish would probably have been used for serving meats, vegetables or other items for consumption at a feast table.

A jug from Novgorod. Notice the stylized handle. My understanding of the handle is that it is a slab rather than a tube. Not a very ergonomic style, but definitely eye-catching.

This jug includes some nicely curved, incised lines. Both this and the jug above would be used to serve wine, beer, kvass or other beverages.