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Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is Polish stoneware lead and cadmium free?
  Yes, Polish stoneware from Ceramika Artystyczna is lead and cadmium free. Our Polish stoneware has been tested extensively, is FDA approved and safe to use with all food.
  
  
• Is Polish stoneware safe to use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher?
  Absolutely, every piece is safe in the microwave, dishwasher and oven to 400 degrees.
  You may place your stoneware in the refrigerator and freezer, as well. However, please bring the stoneware to room temperature before you place it in the microwave or oven to reheat or bake.
  

  When cooking food with a high fat content, we suggest adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish.
  

  Be careful to place the heated stoneware on a surface that is moderate in temperature. Extreme changes in temperature may affect the stoneware's longevity of use.
  
  

• Will Polish stoneware withstand daily use?
  Yes, we are pleased to state the stoneware will be a pleasure to use each day. Enjoy using these beautiful and functional pieces in the dishwasher, microwave and oven.
  

  Polish stoneware cleans easily and effortlessly. It is known for its durability and with proper care should last a very long time.
  
  

• Will any decorations or shapes be discontinued?
  Twenty-nine design artists from Ceramika Artystyczna produce over 4000 decorations in the Traditional and Signature series. Each artist continues to create new decorations. Each decoration is available in over 900 different forms. All decorations and forms that have been created are available.
  
  
• Is The Zanger Company open to the public?
  Yes! As the factory authorized wholesale and retail distributor, The Zanger Company is open Monday through Friday, 10am - 5pm EST. We are open most Saturdays from 10am -1pm. Please telephone us at 1-800-229-4687 to confirm a specific Saturday.
  

  We would love to have you visit.
  

  If you need directions,please visit our Contact Info page, we even provide maps.
  
  

• How many people are employed by Ceramika Artystyczna?
  Approximately 320 people are employed by Ceramika Artystyczna. Seventy percent of the employees are women. All the design artists are women with the exception of one man. Ceramika Artystyczna is an artist-owned cooperative in the town of Boleslawiec, Poland.
  
  
• What are U3 and U4 decorations?
  U3 decorations are beautifully detailed and intricate designs created by a design artist whose name will be painted on the underside of each piece.
  

  U4 decorations are the highest level of detail and intricacy of designs, requiring additional hours to paint. They are created by a design artist whose name will be painted on the underside of each piece.
  
  

• What do the markings on the underside represent?
  Each piece of Polish stoneware will have some or all of this information:
  

  Ceramika Artystyczna's logo is on each piece. This logo is a covered pitcher and a castle with the letter "B" over the castle located inside the covered pitcher. This logo is also seen on the white label affixed to the stoneware by the factory prior to export. A sample of Ceramika Artystyczna's logo appears on our home page.
  

  The Signature pieces will have the printed word "Unikat", which means unique. The decoration number will appear near the word "Unikat".
  

  The Signature Pieces will also have the design artist's name.
  

  All pieces will have "Hand Made in Poland".
  

  All pieces will have the initials of the artist who painted this piece of stoneware.
  

  All pieces will have a corresponding factory produced artist's number to identify each specific artist.
  

  
  

• What is The Zanger Company's shipping policy?
  At the time of check out, you will be given an estimated shipping charge. Once your beautiful Polish stoneware is packed and weighed, this shipping charge may be slightly lower than what was estimated. If that is the case, we will adjust the final amount due and charge only what is appropriate. Unless you have specified special shipping instructions, your final shipping charge will not be more than what was quoted.
  
  

Also see our Pottery Hints.