The last Slovak master potter Michal Polaško-Garbar from Pozdišovce, born in 1883, discovered pottery through hollow ceramics in his father’s workshop. He started his own production in 1990.

Hollow ceramics formed one direction of his work throughout his life, with a particular focus on jugs with grape motifs and stoppers with sculptural decoration. Another area of his work was pottery sculptures, many of which, especially towards the end of his life, served as toys. Initially, the core of these sculptures was a vessel thrown on the wheel, further shaped and complemented by modeling. Later sculptures were modeled freehand. Along with a strong expression, marked by the overall expressionism of his work, and a solid structure, they also exhibit playfulness and charm. Particularly noteworthy are the animal figurines and boldly designed nativity scenes. His works were mature and innovative for their time, as he brought his own personality and sensitivity into the traditional material and methods of work. Consequently, he also held a distinctive place among the potters of Pozdišovce.

He was an authority in the local pottery community, and thanks to his help, the artist Júlia Kováčiková-Horová of ÚĽUV successfully revived declining production in this traditional pottery center from 1947 onwards. Polaško-Garbar served as a role model for her ideas, showing interest in exploring original Pozdišovce products and developing new design forms. He was one of the founding members of the Pottery Production and Sales Cooperative established by ÚĽUV in Pozdišovce.

He passed away in 1956, before ÚĽUV began awarding titles of master of folk art production. However, his mastery would surely have earned him the title among the first recipients.