Belleek Pottery is one of the oldest working potteries in the world, and the oldest pottery in Northern Ireland since 1857. Each piece of Belleek is created by sixteen individual artisans from design to production to quality control, and since 1863, perfect items are given the famous Belleek trademark stamp – an Irish Wolfhound (along with other distinctive Irish symbols such as round towers, Irish harps and shamrocks). In an article appearing in Bark magazine that recounted her tour of the pottery, Karen B. London, PhD explained that at the time the stamp was designed, this treasured breed was nearly extinct, and the owners wanted to pay tribute to this symbol of national pride. Well done, Belleek Pottery!