Faïence is a tin-glazed pottery on a buff or white earthenware body. The term is now used for a wide variety of pottery including many types of European painted wares. The products of French faïence manufactories, often unmarked, are identified by the character of the body, the glaze palette and the style of decoration. 

 

Faïence Parlante – “talking plates” – popular in the 18th century, feature the mottos and images of fellowships, seasonal activities, associations and often rebus puzzles for solving at the end of a meal.

Faïence Patriotique was a specialty during the French Revolution, 1789-99.

 

A brief history of the potteries we stock most are as follows:

 

 Choisy-le-Roi began producing faïence in 1804. Hippolyte Boulenger became owner in 1863, adding majolica to their production, continuing until 1910.

 

Creil-Montereau Faïenceries operated in the French communes of Creil, Oise, and Montereau, from 1797 until 1876 under Lebeuf Milliet & Cie. By employing English potters, they introduced the technique of transfer printing on a creamware type pottery in France in the 19th century.

 

 

Lunéville Faïence is one of the most well known French pottery manufacturers, located in Lunéville, Lorraine, France since 1730. They formulated a type of earthenware called “terre de Lorraine” in 1748. The Keller family controlled the company, joining with Guérin in 1832, using the mark K&G for the names Keller and Guérin. Their production continued in Saint Clément.

 

 

Massier of Vallauris began producing majolica in 1860. Brothers Delphin and Clement Massier were joined by cousin Jerome Massier, working in the Art Nouveau style. The Massier’s produced large figural roosters and hens along with vases and wall pockets modeled as orchids, irises and sunflowers.

 

 

Nevers was a French manufacturing center for faïence known mostly for the production of the French Revolution pottery, Faïence Patriotique. The first factory was started around 1588 by three Italian brothers, bringing the majolica tradition with them.

 

 

Niderviller pottery has been located in the village of Niderviller, Lorraine, France since 1735. It is known for the use of a deep magenta pink glaze in its decoration.

 

 

Orchies began producing majolica at the end of the 19th century and are known for their humorous jugs modeled on animals.

 

 

Quimper Faïence has been produced near Quimper, in Brittany, France since 1708. Painted by hand, showing a strong traditional Breton influence, bearing the image of the “petit breton,” a naive representation of a Breton man or woman in traditional dress. Becoming popular around 1870, it is still the main design sought by collectors today.

 

 

Sarreguemines was established about 1784 producing most of the original tiles used during the construction of the Paris metro. Majolica was added to its production in the 1860s. Sarreguemines stopped production in 2007.

 

Other well known potteries we often stock include:

 

Alcide Chaumeil, Devres, Fives-Lille, Gien, Longchamp, Menton, Pexonne, Pillivuyt, St. Armand, St. Clément, Onnaing, Rouen, and Salins.