Latvia · Ceramics of Latgale

Issue date5 Jun 2020

Total mintage412,000

EU maximum412,000

Editions3

Edge letteringDIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU

InscriptionLATGALES KERAMIKA / LATVIJA / 2020

DesignerGundega Rancāne

mintUAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla, Vilnius (Lithuania)

Issue occasion

The coin is dedicated to Latgalian pottery, which was once widespread in Latgale and Courland, but was continued across generations only in Latgale and is part of the Latvian cultural canon. The design depicts a clay candlestick as a typical example of Latgalian ceramics, as well as the inscriptions “LATGALES KERAMIKA” and “LATVIJA”.

The design

The coin is dedicated to Latgalian pottery. Traditional pottery was based for a long time in two regions, Latgale and Courland, but ultimately survived only in Latgale, where it was passed down through generations. Latgalian pottery is also part of the Latvian Cultural Canon. The coin design shows a typical example of Latgalian ceramics—a clay candleholder. The coin bears the inscription “LATGALES KERAMIKA” (Latgalian ceramics), the country name “LATVIJA” and the issue year “2020”. The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.

Background on the topic

Latgale (Lettgallen) is a historical cultural region in eastern Latvia. Due to its long association with the Polish-Lithuanian realm, the region developed characteristics that distinguish it from other parts of Latvia. These include the strong influence of Catholicism and the Latgalian written language. Ceramics are another expression of this regional identity.

The craft was based on local clay deposits and the needs of farming households. Vessels for cooking, storing and serving were made on the potter’s wheel, including pots, bowls, jugs and milk jugs. The potters also made candlesticks, pipes and decorative objects. The forms were developed not only according to their appearance, but above all according to their practical purpose. Decorations could be incised, applied or accentuated with glazes. Brown, green and yellowish tones are frequently found.

A particular technique is black firing. Towards the end of the firing process, the supply of oxygen in the kiln is greatly reduced. The smoke penetrates the clay and gives the vessels a dark to black surface. Other pieces are glazed and then fired again. Since the firing process, glaze and properties of the clay influence the result, production relied heavily on knowledge passed down through experience.

The knowledge was often passed on within families and local workshops. In the 20th century, individual masters and workshop communities helped make the craft known beyond its original use in farming households. Ceramics thus developed from utilitarian objects into collectors’ items and exhibition pieces. In Latgale, it continues to be taught in workshops, museums, demonstrations and training courses.

The coin issue was not based on a specific historical anniversary. Rather, it honours a living regional craft tradition as part of Latvia’s cultural diversity. The choice of an everyday ceramic object places not an individual person or a single event, but rather craft knowledge and its transmission, at the centre.