NATIONAL MUSEUM-RESERVE OF UKRAINIAN POTTERY: FROM CRAFT TO ARTISTIC FORM

Abstract

Opishnia ceramics is one of the most distinctive phenomena of Ukrainian folk art, formed on the basis of centuries-old craft traditions and developed into a recognized artistic school. Its evolution followed a complex path – from local handicraft production to the establishment of an art center of national significance. It is in Opishnia, located in the Poltava region, that a unique experience of pottery has been concentrated, embodied in the form, ornamentation, symbolism, and technological features of local masters. An important stage in the institutionalization of pottery was the establishment of the National Museum- Reserve of Ukrainian Pottery, a powerful cultural center that combines museum, research, educational, and publishing activities. The institution includes art and memorial estates of renowned potters, the Museum of the Krychevskyi Family, a specialized library, an archive, and extensive collections that ensure the preservation, study, and popularization of both tangible and intangible heritage of Ukrainian pottery. Particular attention is given to documenting the work of contemporary ceramic artists who combine traditional techniques with innovative artistic approaches. The purpose of this article is to highlight the evolution of Opishnia pottery within the context of national cultural heritage and to analyze the role of the Museum-Reserve as an institution that safeguards and transmits tradition. The study outlines the main directions of the museum’s activities and its influence on shaping the cultural landscape of modern Ukraine. Special attention is devoted to the interaction between folk masters and professional artists, which contributes to the innovative transformation of traditional ceramics. Today, Opishnia is not only a territory of memory but also an active creative environment where tradition continues to live, inspiring new generations of artists and admirers of ceramic art. Thus, the National Museum- Reserve of Ukrainian Pottery acts as a key factor in preserving authenticity, promoting scientific research, and popularizing Ukrainian pottery in the global cultural space.