The enduring charm of Quimper faience
In the heart of Brittany, France, lies the picturesque town of Quimper, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite faience pottery. For collectors like myself, Quimper faience holds a special allure—a blend of French rustic charm, vibrant colors, and lovely designs that speak to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The start of my Quimper collection
My fascination with Quimper faience began nearly 40 years ago at an auction house during an evening snowstorm. With only a handful of participants remaining as the session neared its end, I found myself eagerly awaiting the listing of items. When the Quimper dishes were finally announced, their vibrant colors stood out. Though the room may have been sparse, the interest for these timeless ceramics was undeniable, and my husband convinced me to seize the opportunity to acquire this already assembled collection of 80 pieces for a very small fraction of their retail price in antique shops. Granted, many pieces were chipped but who can resist such a bargain?
Over time, my Quimper collection grew, albeit slowly due to rising costs. Each piece tells a story of discovery, adventure, and the enduring beauty of craftsmanship. From vibrant plates adorned with traditional Breton motifs to tureens and service platters showcasing the artistry of Quimper artisans, each acquisition became a cherished addition to my collection.
However, my Quimper dishes were more than mere objects; they were an integral part of our family’s daily life. When our children were small, these cherished ceramics—affectionately referred to as “little boys and little girls” by them—graced our table, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to every meal. Despite their delicate appearance, the soft faience proved resilient, enduring the wear and tear of family gatherings and everyday use. It even endured daily cycles in the dishwasher!
Yet, with time, our Quimper dishes began to bear the marks of their journey. Small chips and imperfections became a testament to the memories made around the table—a reminder of laughter shared, meals enjoyed, and the warmth of family gatherings.
Faience and porcelain are both types of ceramics, but they differ in their composition and durability. Faience is a type of earthenware, typically made from a more porous, less refined clay and often glazed with colorful, decorative finishes. Because of its composition, faience is less durable and more prone to chipping and cracking than porcelain, made from a finer, denser clay, and fired at higher temperatures.
One poignant memory involves a large platter that broke when my oldest son accidentally knocked it off the armoire where it was displayed. I did my best to glue the pieces back together and surprisingly it’s still used now. While some might have viewed these imperfections as flaws, to us, they were symbols of a life well-lived, brimming with love and connection.
One older aunt, accustomed to pristine tableware, voiced her concern over the condition of our Quimper collection. “If these dishes are collectible and expensive,” she remarked, “you should sell them and buy brand new ones, not chipped!”. Yet, to us, the value of our Quimper dishes lay not in their monetary worth, but in the memories and connections they represented.
Some people have raised concerns about the lead content in the glaze. However, as one informative website points out, a properly fired piece of old faience does not pose a threat. Additionally, newer pottery glazes no longer contain lead.
History of Quimper faience
Quimper dishes, also known as Quimper faience or Quimper pottery, have a rich history that dates back several centuries. The story of Quimper pottery begins in the town of Quimper, located in Brittany, France.
The tradition of pottery-making in Quimper can be traced back to the late 17th century when the area’s abundant natural resources, including clay deposits and access to waterways for transportation, made it conducive to pottery production. Initially, the pottery created in Quimper was utilitarian in nature, including items such as bowls, jugs, and plates, intended for everyday use by the local population.
However, in the 18th century, Quimper pottery began to evolve into more decorative and artistic forms. The introduction of tin-glazing techniques allowed artisans to decorate pottery with vibrant colors and intricate designs. One of the defining characteristics of Quimper pottery is its hand-painted motifs, which often feature Breton folk motifs such as traditional costumes, floral patterns, and scenes of rural life.
Quimper pottery gained popularity throughout France and beyond, becoming highly sought after as decorative items and collectibles. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Quimper pottery experienced a golden age, with several workshops and factories producing a wide range of pieces, including tableware, figurines, and decorative objects.
One of the most renowned Quimper pottery manufacturers is the Henriot Quimper faience factory, established in 1690 and still producing pottery today. Almost every piece bears a model number, which indicates the specific design and pattern of the item, as shown in my photo. These numbers help collectors and enthusiasts identify and date the pieces, adding to their historical and aesthetic value.
Other notable Quimper pottery makers include HB-Henriot, Porquier-Beau, and HB Quimper.
Today, Quimper pottery remains an important part of Brittany’s cultural heritage, cherished for its craftsmanship, distinctive style, and connection to the region’s traditions. Collectors around the world continue to appreciate Quimper pottery for its beauty and historical significance.
My Quimper collection today
While we don’t use the Quimper plates daily anymore, they still hold a special place in my home. In my breakfast nook, bathed in the warm glow of morning light and surrounded by lovely pickled tongue-and-groove on the walls and ceiling, my Quimper service platters and a series of small plates find their rightful place, proudly displayed on wall racks.
These racks, selected for both their functionality and aesthetic appeal, serve as storage and as a showcase for the vibrant motifs that define Quimper faience. They function as decorative accents, adding charm to the country decor of the great room and inviting admiration and conversation among guests who gather in this cozy corner of my home. Many followers on Instagram have asked me where I bought these. The large plates sit on one I purchased 30 years ago at a local boutique decor store, which no longer exists. However, I have seen similar ones at small specialty kitchen stores. I acquired the small one displayed on the facing wall from a craftsman at my local flea market, and a used one at a garage sale. Recently I found a tall one at a consignment store in North Carolina for $12 USD. Use descriptive keywords to find similar plate racks on marketplace or in online vendors such as Wayfair and Amazon.
As I sit down to enjoy my morning coffee surrounded by these cherished treasures, I am reminded of the beauty and heritage that infuse every aspect of my collecting journey. And then there are some lovely flowers that can match with them any time of the year.
In my collecting journey, I now proceed at a leisurely pace, delighting in the occasional discovery at flea markets or consignment shops. Quimper reveals itself to me in ways beyond the typical motifs, shapes, and colors. I find myself increasingly captivated by the odd pitchers and smaller vases. Nevertheless, my heart remains grateful for the joy and inspiration that each cherished ceramic piece brings into my life.
To know more about Quimper pottery
https://www.quimperbrittanyfrance.com/hbhenriotfaiencerie.htm
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