MATERIAL CULTURE · SENSORY RESEARCH

TORBADJA is an independent project exploring the history of Ukrainian ceramics, its place in traditional everyday life, and the study of historical objects.

.The History of Ukrainian Ceramics

 

The main part of this website explores the history of ceramics in the lands of present-day Ukraine, from the Neolithic to the 20th century. It examines pottery centres and their local traditions, as well as the forms of traditional vessels and their intended uses.

The shape of a vessel is closely connected to its function. Studying vessel forms helps us understand how ceramic objects were used in everyday life. Production techniques are discussed in the historical overview, while the everyday use of vessels is covered on the Forms and Purposes page.

You can begin with the History of Ceramics in Ukraine, continue to the Pottery Centres, or explore the Forms and Purposes of traditional vessels.

 

 Working with Objects

 

We search for and select historical ceramics and other household objects, mainly dating from the 19th to the mid-20th century. We photograph and describe them, and gather available information about their origins and use.

We restore damaged pieces wherever restoration is possible and appropriate. Old vessels that can no longer serve their original purpose are also transformed into lamps.

All selected objects are offered for sale in our Etsy shop, TORBADJA UKRAINE. Each listing describes the condition of the object and provides details of any restoration work carried out. More about this work can be found on the CERAMIC RESTORATION page.

 TORBADJA Ceramic Aroma System

 

Practical work with historical objects led to a separate line of research: the TORBADJA Ceramic Aroma System, an original system for the sensory study of the aromatic characteristics of historical ceramics.

Old vessels may retain aromatic traces after prolonged use and storage. The System provides a way to observe, describe, compare, and document them. Aroma is treated as an additional characteristic of an object, not as evidence of its age, origin, or authenticity.

The System clearly distinguishes between direct observations, established facts, working hypotheses, and subjective sensory associations.

It comprises standardized terminology, a classification of aromatic profiles, a methodology for sensory research, a research protocol, and a sensory atlas of reference profiles. For an initial introduction to the aromatic characteristics of ceramics, the System also offers an Introductory Sensory Evaluation using a Sensory Evaluation Card.

Read more about the System on the AROMA SYSTEM page.

 

 Journal

 

The Journal features original articles on ceramics and the material culture of traditional everyday life. Its current material includes a discussion of the Ukrainian stove and an exploration of possible parallels between the cooking practices of Viking-Age Scandinavia and Kyivan Rus.

 

 About TORBADJA

 

TORBADJA began with practical work involving historical objects and gradually expanded to include the study of Ukrainian ceramics and its own research.

The project's origins, its development, and the people behind it are described on the About TORBADJA and The TORBADJA Story pages.