Alexis of Russia
The village of Gzhel has long been famous for its clays. Extensive mining of various types of clay was carried out here from the middle of the 17th century. In 1663, Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich (Alexis of Russia) issued a decree to make Gzhel "exclusive supplier of Apothecary and alchemical vessels for the Apothecary’s order in Moscow. They had to comply with increased quality requirements. This was the beginning of ceramic production in Russia."