Kuman Jekov

Born 1961 in Harmanli, one of Bulgaria’s most esteemed ceramic artists, widely recognised for his mastery of traditional and ancient pottery techniques. With a career spanning several decades, Jekov has become a key figure in preserving and advancing Bulgaria’s ceramic heritage.

A graduate of the Ceramics Technical School in Popovo, Jekov began his professional journey in the storied village of Busintsi, long celebrated as the heart of traditional Bulgarian pottery. It was here, immersed in centuries-old techniques and surrounded by the cultural richness of the region, that he honed his craft under the guidance of legendary ceramic masters Petar Gigov and Bogdan Kirilov. Through years of dedicated practice and artistic refinement, Jekov earned the esteemed title of master from Bulgaria’s national crafts association.

Jekov’s work draws deeply from ancient forms and motifs, often inspired by Thracian, Slavic, and medieval Balkan ceramic traditions. With a strong commitment to authenticity, he continues to use age-old methods, hand-building and firing each piece.