Genuine craftsmanship - the making of Gmundner Keramik

Everyone knows the iconic „Green-Flamed“ tableware from Traunsee, but only a few are aware of the intricate production process at the manufactory in Gmunden. To give you an insight into this impressive craftsmanship, here is the creation process of a water jug.

What makes Gmundner Keramik special is that each individual piece passes through around 60 hands during production – from the initial shaping to the final refinement.

The entire manufacturing process, from the preparation of the raw material to the finished, ready-for-sale work of art, takes place in Gmunden. Each phase of production is carried out with the utmost care and artisanal precision to ensure the unmistakable quality and unique charm of Gmundner Keramik.

The raw material for Gmundner Keramik is a natural product: purified clay. This is sourced in powdered form from the Westerwald region in Germany and consists of three primary components: feldspar, quartz, and kaolin.

In the material preparation stage, the raw materials are processed into both liquid and solid forms according to proprietary recipes developed in-house.

Even the development and production of the plaster molds take place within the manufactory.

In the casting process, the so-called „slip“ – liquid clay – is poured into the plaster mold. The plaster draws moisture from the mixture, forming the clay body against the mold. The longer the clay remains in the plaster mold, the thicker the ceramic piece becomes. For example, this water jug requires approximately one hour of resting time before the excess clay is poured out.

Plates, cups, and bowls are shaped by turning: a clay cylinder is sliced into discs and pressed under pressure to create a round form.

Square or angular items, such as the star-shaped bowl, are pressed into a mold.

This is where the characteristic bold and rounded shapes come to life: every single piece is individually cleaned, deburred, sponged, and its shape perfected by hand.

All handles are attached manually. Whether it’s a jug, a breakfast cup, or a soup bowl, this process is called attaching handles.

Unlike porcelain, Gmundner Keramik is not glazed with a transparent glaze but with a special white glaze. This gives the ceramics their unique depth and shine, as well as their characteristic radiant white.

At the manufactory in Gmunden, two methods of applying glaze are used: dipping glaze and spray glaze.

For dipping glaze, the piece is dipped into a vat of glaze using tongs.

For spray glaze, the ceramic piece is placed on a rotating wheel, and the glaze is applied with a fine spray gun.

At Gmundner Keramik, great emphasis is placed on tradition and quality, as reflected in the in-house production of colors and glazes. In the laboratory, the unique color tones and glazes are developed and carefully fine-tuned. This meticulous process ensures that iconic designs – such as the famous „Green-Flamed“ pattern – are created with exceptional quality and color intensity.

This is where the unmistakable design is created, instantly associated with Gmundner Keramik.

The art of flamming requires dedication and practice. It takes a painter two years of training to master the flamming technique for every item in the collection. Flamming is a unique technique practiced exclusively in Gmunden, involving the application of color using a spray technique. Each piece must adhere to a specific number of arcs, strokes, or loops.

Since 2021, the flamming of ceramics has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO!

Design classics such as the Hirsch (Deer), Streublumen (alpine flowers), or the Herzerl (Hearts) designs are hand-painted onto the ceramics using brushes.

The iconic Gmundner green is the result of a complex and secret recipe. Another unique feature: when the color is applied to the ceramics, the Gmundner green initially appears gray. Only after firing does the beautiful, vibrant color emerge.

Each piece of Gmundner Keramik is fired twice. The first firing, called the „bisque firing,“ occurs before glazing. The second firing, known as the „gloss firing,“ is done after glazing and includes the decoration. Both firings take 16 hours.

Did you know? The temperature in the kilns reaches between 1020 and 1070 degrees Celsius.

Great importance is placed on the quality of Gmundner Keramik. For this reason, quality checks are conducted between each production step. After the first firing, a sound test is used to ensure that each individual piece is flawless. After the second firing, every Gmundner piece is carefully inspected and examined by hand to confirm it is free of defects. Only then is it approved for sale.

It is the craftsmanship that makes our unique pieces so valuable. Our genuine handwork represents the highest quality and perfection, the Austrian heritage, and the uniqueness of our products. The exceptional value of Gmundner Keramik should be experienced, appreciated, and recognized by everyone. Our ceramic products – from mixing the clay to shaping and painting – are entirely handcrafted here in Gmunden!