Nysa — mug

Nysa ceramic mug

Mug capacity: 330 ml

ZSD Nysa

A crisp Monday morning in the People's Republic of Poland. The first ray of sunshine falls on the polished wall unit, the kettle whistles from the kitchen, and citizens prepare to leave their homes to rush to work. On the streets, the morning hustle and bustle, typical of towns and cities where production is in full swing, and quotas are not just met but proudly exceeded. But this doesn't happen by itself. Behind the production success of the factories, behind delivering products to consumers, behind trade in general – stands (or rather, drives) Nysa, a versatile delivery van with many faces.

The Nysa was created in the Commercial Vehicle Factory (Zakłady Samochodów Dostawczych) in 1957, and its regular production then lasted until 1994. Its versions were improved year by year – here, the front suspension beam was strengthened, there, the tires were reinforced. In 1959, the first 200 units were designated for export, and the Nysas that were fortunate enough to see a bit of the world were improved compared to those that remained permanently in the country. The biggest export boom occurred in 1973-74, when 74% of the units produced were sent abroad.

Nysa, like every hero, also has its dark side – working for the militia. Blue Nysas spread fear on the streets of Polish cities, intimidating citizens with the menacing expression of their angular bumpers. The role of a police van recedes into the background when one hears that Nysa transported the first post-war Polish expedition to the Himalayas, taking climbers to the peak of Malubiting.

The drawing is by Wrocław artist Paweł Grabowski.