The first written traces of pottery in this area date from the 18th century. After World War I, there were as many as sixty-seven potters in Bedenec who supported their families with this craft. But during the 1990s, that number decreased to only six, while today we have only one active potter.

Are we ready to board another time machine that takes us through the past, where we can imagine the sound of a potter's wheel and the clay changing into different colors? When we talk about pottery, we can hardly call it a craft, it is about works of art.

Traditional pottery in northwestern Croatia has the status of a cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia.
It was Bedenec, Jerovec and other settlements in the "Bedijensko field" along the Bednja river that used to be the epicenter of this craft in the wider Ivanec area. In addition to creating pottery, potters were also merchants. They brought their products to the "exchange" all over Zagorje, Međimurje and Podravina. Due to the frequent demand, some potters went as far as Vienna. The skill of making ceramics was passed down from generation to generation, and in the mentioned places it was practiced by almost all the male population.

 „Dan bedijenske lončarije“ – a manifestation that celebrates pottery

With the aim of restoring the memory of the pottery of this region, which once served as the basis of the family's daily diet and which is extremely important for our valuable tradition, this event wants to pay tribute to the generations of potters who have preserved the original skill until today.

The event "Dan bedijenske lončarije" takes place at the end of summer at the ethno house in Bedenec and is a unique representation of life and creation in this region.

How did the process of making pottery go?

First, the clay was dug by hand during dry periods. It was then carefully processed and cleaned because the quality of the product largely depended on the quality of the clay. After that, the clay would be shaped on a "kolombar", a traditional potter's wheel. The potters used a wheel that they moved with their feet while their hands freely shaped the future works of art.

After molding, the dishes were carefully air-dried so that they would not crack. This was followed by engobing with white clay, adding decorations and two bakings. The first baking brought changes in color, while the second baking at a high temperature ensured the strength and impermeability of the dishes.

Pottery is not just a craft; pottery is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation.