Belleek’s Toadstool Ornament has been inspired Irelands rich history of folklore and stories of the mythical ‘Faerie Folk’. These miniature, magical folk are said to live in forests, trees and toadstools throughout the Irish countryside. It is said to be bad luck to disturb the home of a fairy. This delicately embossed and hand painted ornament will bring some of the ‘faerie folk’s’ mischievous magic to your tree without disturbing them this Christmas.
Belleek
Belleek Pottery now located in county Fermanagh on the banks of the River Erne has been handcrafting fine porcelain pottery for over 160 years! Originally established in 1857, Belleek has become the oldest working pottery for fine china in all of Ireland and as such holds a very special place both culturally and in the commercial heritage of the country.
Belleek produces more than 100,000 pieces of pottery annually where each piece passes through 16 pairs of hands throughout the artisan process from concept design to the finished product. Belleek has a worldwide reputation for quality and craftsmanship with a meticulous process where even the slightest flaw causes the piece to be destroyed. Only perfection will be approved.
The skills involved in the manufacturing process are passed down from generation to generation and each design is original and unique. Belleek has even been awarded a gold medal at the L’Exposition de Paris Exhibition in 1900. The International Centre Piece takes pride of place in the foyer of the Belleek Visitor’s Centre for all to appreciate and enjoy in person. The design was lovingly created by Frederick Slater in 1893, and is reported to have taken him seven weeks to master this intricate piece.
Belleek Classic is the most recognized style of “Parian ware” which showcases a type of biscuit porcelain known for imitating marble. Parian ware differs from traditional bisque-fired porcelain in that it is “self-glazing”; where the latter stays porous, matte, and non-translucent.
