Andrejs Paulāns

• Name — Andrejs Paulāns • Birth Name — Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs • Born — 30 November 1896 • Birthplace — Silajāņi Parish, Russian Empire • Died — 29 November 1973 • Place of death — Preiļi Parish, Soviet Union • Known for — Ceramics • Movement — Latgalian ceramics • Awards — Gold Medal at 1937 Paris Exhibition • Native Name — Andrivs Povulāns-Kraskevičs

Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs was born at Šembeļi village in Silajāņi Parish, Russian Empire in 1896. He inherited the interest for pottery from his father Izidors. In 1915, he joined Latvian riflemen as the World War I was going on. Two years later, Paulāns returned home after being heavily wounded in head and shoulder. For his service, he was awarded a Cross of St. George. Paulāns right eye was blinded for the rest of his life. From 1918, Paulāns worked in the workshop of his father. His name rose to fame in the 1930s, when his works were shown in exhibitions outside Latvia. First foreign exhibition with Paulāns works was in 1931 in Sèvres, France. He was awarded a gold medal at the 1937 Paris Exhibition. Paulāns died on 29 November 1973. He is buried in the Feimaņi cemetery.