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Zsolnay, or formallyZsolnay Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt (Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory Private Limited) is a Hungarian manufacturer ofporcelain,tiles, andstoneware. The company introduced theeosin glazing process andpyrogranite ceramics.[clarification needed]
The Zsolnay factory was established byMiklós Zsolnay (1800–1880) inPécs,Hungary, to produce stoneware and other ceramics in 1853. In 1863, his son,Vilmos Zsolnay (1828–1900) joined the company and became its manager and director after several years. He led the factory to worldwide recognition by demonstrating its innovative products at world fairs and international exhibitions, including the1873 World Fair in Vienna, then at the1878 World Fair in Paris, where Zsolnay received a Grand Prix. In 1893, Zsolnay introduced porcelain pieces made ofeosin.Tádé Sikorski (1852–1940) married Vilmos’ daughter Júlia and became the chief designer. In 1900 Vilmos’ son Miklós took over. Frost-resisting Zsolnay building decorations were used in numerous buildings specifically during theArt Nouveau movement. By 1914, Zsolnay was the largest company inAustro-Hungary.[1] DuringWorld War I, production of pottery and building materials were curtailed, and the factory produced for military use, for instanceinsulators. After World War I, the fortunes of the factory declined due to the Serbian occupation, loss of markets, and difficulty to secure raw materials. However, after the depression, conditions improved.[2]
DuringWorld War II, its site of production inBudapest was bombed. With the rule ofcommunism the factory was nationalized in 1948. Eventually, the Zsolnay name was dropped. ThePécsi Porcelángyár (Pécs Porcelain Factory) was used primarily to produce common tableware goods. However, in 1982 with the resumption of amarket economy, the company regained its operational independence, was reorganized, and the Zsolnay name returned. In 1991, theZsolnay Porcelain Manufacture became astock company, and five years later it was bought by aprivate equity enterprise.
In 2012, a Swiss-Syrian businessman called Bachar Najari bought the company from the city of Pécs.
Beside the factory, there is also the Zsolnay Museum in Pécs.
Many Zsolnay ceramics are noted for the use of the eosin process that was introduced in 1893. The process results in a light rediridescence of the first prepared hue, hence the term eosin (Greekeos, flush of dawn). Different eosin colours and processes were developed over time. The eosin-based iridescence became a favourite of art nouveau andJugendstil artists, among themSándor Apáti Abt,Lajos Mack,Géza Nikelszky, andJózsef Rippl-Rónai.
The secret eosin glaze renders porcelain to appear iridescent metallic, in different colours that change with the angle of reflection. Typical colours include shades of green, red, blue, and purple.
Pyrogranite refers to a type of ornamental ceramics that were developed by Zsolnay and placed in production by 1886. Fired at high temperature, this durable material remains acid and frost-resistant making it suitable for use as roof tiles, indoor and outdoor decorative ceramics, and fireplaces. Architects that used the material in their buildings includeMiklós Ybl,Ödön Lechner,Béla Lajta,Samu Pecz, andImre Steindl. It can be seen in buildings such asMatthias Church, theHungarian Parliament Building, theMuseum of Applied Art, theGeological Institute, theKőbánya Church, theGellért Baths (all these buildings are in Budapest), the Párizsi Udvar Hotel, Four Season Hotel (in Budapest), the Castle Garden Bazaar, the ELTE University, theBudapest Technical University, the Central Market Hall, theTown Hall inKecskemét and many beautiful buildings across Hungary, like the Post Office Palace, inPécs.
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