About Us

Manufaktura USA opened for business in 2003, but our story began much earlier...

Our pottery originated as folk art in the Silesia region of central Europe, now part of southwestern Poland. The history of pottery making in this ancient region of Europe dates back to the seventh century. Today, in the small village of Boleslawiec, Poland, this time-honored tradition of artistically crafted pottery continues.

Manufaktura USA is especially connected to the tradition of artistically crafted Polish pottery and to Bolesławiec, as it is the birthplace of Elle Łoś-Englander, president and founder of Manufaktura USA.

Elle and her family lived in Bolesławiec until she was 16 years old. Her parents worked for a combined 25 years at Bolesławiec's largest and oldest pottery factory. Elle’s father was a staunch opponent of the Communist regime that controlled Poland at the time. On December 13, 1981, along with most prominent members of Solidarity, he was arrested and imprisoned, and ultimately forced out of Poland. He, along with his wife and children, found their new home in the United States of America.

At Janelle Imports & Manufaktura USA, our mission is to provide American consumers with the world’s largest inventory of authentic, artistic Polish pottery, while supporting the economy of Bolesławiec, Poland — thus preserving this beautiful, old-world handcraft for generations to come.

Elle Łoś-Englander

President & Founder of Janelle Imports & Manufaktura USA