What is the general English language term for fine tin-glazed pottery?

The general English language term for fine tin-glazed pottery is Faience. This type of pottery is characterized by a white pottery glaze, achieved by adding an oxide of tin to a lead glaze, which was a significant advancement in pottery history.

When and where is the invention of the white pottery glaze, crucial for faience, believed to have been made?

The invention of a white pottery glaze, made by adding an oxide of tin to a lead glaze, is believed to have originated in Iran or the Middle East before the ninth century. This innovation allowed for painted decoration on pottery, marking a major step in ceramic history.

What kind of kiln technology was required for the production of early faience?

Producing faience required a kiln capable of reaching temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,830 degrees Fahrenheit). This high-temperature firing was necessary to achieve the desired vitreous glaze.

How is faience often positioned in relation to porcelain, particularly in terms of cost and production?

Faience was often produced as a more affordable alternative to porcelain styles. It served as a cheaper version of the luxurious and often more expensive porcelain wares.

What is the origin of the name 'faience'?

The name 'faience' originates from the French name for Faenza, a city located in the Romagna region of Italy, near Ravenna. Faenza was known for producing painted majolica ware for export as early as the fifteenth century.

What technique did the Moors introduce to Al-Andalus that is related to faience production?

The Moors brought the technique of tin-glazed earthenware to Al-Andalus. In this region, they also perfected the art of lustreware, which involves creating metallic glazes on pottery.

Which Spanish cities were significant centers for exporting tin-glazed earthenware, known as 'Hispano-Moresque wares', to Italy and Europe?

Malaga in Andalusia and later Valencia in Spain were significant centers for exporting tin-glazed earthenware, referred to as 'Hispano-Moresque wares'. These wares were shipped to Italy and other parts of Europe, either directly or via the Balearic Islands, starting from at least the 14th century.

What is the etymological origin of the terms 'Majolica' and 'Maiolica'?

The terms 'Majolica' and 'Maiolica' are derived from 'Maiorica,' which is an older name for the island of Majorca. Majorca served as a crucial transshipping point for refined tin-glazed earthenwares being sent from the Kingdom of Aragon to Italy during the late Middle Ages.

When did locally produced tin-glazed earthenwares, known as maiolica, reach their peak in Italy, and what characterized the decline after 1600?

Locally produced tin-glazed earthenwares, referred to as maiolica in Italy, were initiated in the fourteenth century and reached their artistic peak in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. After approximately 1600, these wares began to lose favor with elite customers, and the quality of the painting declined, with intricate scenes often being replaced by simpler geometric designs and shapes.

Who were the first Europeans outside of Italy to imitate tin-glazed earthenwares, and what is their famous product called?

The Dutch were the first Europeans outside of Italy to imitate the tin-glazed earthenwares being imported from Italy. Their famous product is known as Delftware, typically decorated in blue on a white background.

How did Delftware evolve in the Netherlands, particularly in response to imports from East Asia?

Delftware production began in the early sixteenth century, initially imitating Italian maiolica. However, from around 1580, it started to emulate the highly sought-after blue and white Chinese export porcelain that was becoming available in Europe. This imitation extended to Japanese export porcelain as well.

Who is recognized as the first well-known painter of faïence in France, and where was he established?

Masseot Abaquesne is recognized as the first well-known painter of faïence in France. He established his workshop in Rouen in the 1530s.

Which French cities were prominent centers for faience manufacturing in the 17th century?

Nevers faience and Rouen faience were the leading French centers for faience manufacturing during the 17th century. Both were capable of producing wares that met the high standards required by the French court and nobility.

What Italian maiolica style did Nevers faience continue, and until when?

Nevers faience continued the Italian *istoriato* maiolica style, which featured painted figurative subjects. This tradition was maintained until around 1650.

List some of the French centers that developed faience manufacturing from the early 18th century onwards.

From the early 18th century, numerous French centers developed faience manufacturing. Key among these were Quimper (established around 1690), followed by Moustiers, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Lunéville, along with many smaller production sites.

How are French faience products typically identified, given that they are rarely marked?

French faience products, which are often unmarked, are typically identified through ceramic connoisseurship. This involves examining the characteristics of the clay body, the quality and color palette of the glaze, and the specific style of decoration employed.

What are 'faïence blanche' and 'faïence parlante'?

'Faïence blanche' refers to faience that is left undecorated, fired with its white slip showing. 'Faïence parlante,' particularly associated with Nevers, features mottoes, often displayed on decorative labels or banners.

What kind of information might be found on apothecary wares made from faience?

Apothecary wares, such as albarelli (a type of jar), made from faience could bear the names of the medicinal substances they were intended to hold. These names were generally in Latin and often abbreviated, sometimes making them difficult for the untrained eye to recognize.

What is 'faïence patriotique' and when was it particularly popular?

'Faïence patriotique' refers to faience decorated with mottoes from fellowships and associations, which became popular in the 18th century. This style was especially prominent during the years of the French Revolution.

Describe the characteristics and purpose of 'English delftware'.

English delftware, produced in centers like Lambeth and London from the late sixteenth century, was a type of English faience. It included jars for apothecaries to store wet and dry drugs, as well as large painted dishes often made for special occasions like weddings. Its crude decoration later appealed to collectors of English folk art.

What led to the decline of English delftware production?

The production of English delftware was gradually superseded in the first half of the eighteenth century. This decline was largely due to the introduction of cheaper creamware and other types of refined earthenware developed in Staffordshire, which often achieved a white color without the need for tin-glazes.

How did Dutch potters influence faience production in Germany?

Dutch potters played a key role in establishing faience production centers in northern Germany. The first German manufactories were opened in Hanau in 1661 and Heusenstamm in 1662, with production soon moving to nearby Frankfurt.

What artistic style influenced French faience factories by the mid-18th century, and what was the quality of their work?

By the mid-18th century, many French faience factories were producing pieces that followed the Rococo styles popular in French porcelain factories. They often employed painters skilled enough to create decorative work that sometimes approached the quality of porcelain.

What factors contributed to the decline of the French faience industry in the late 18th century?

The French faience industry faced significant challenges in the late 18th century. Cheaper porcelain and refined earthenwares, particularly creamware from Staffordshire, began to dominate the market. A commercial treaty with Great Britain in 1786, strongly supported by Josiah Wedgwood, further impacted the French industry by setting a nominal import duty on English earthenware.

What types of ceramics eventually replaced traditional faience production in the 19th century?

In the early 19th century, fine stoneware, which vitrifies when fired at high temperatures, began to replace traditional faience makers, even for items like beer steins. At the lower end of the market, local manufactories continued to produce simpler wares, and some styles persisted as folk art or for tourist markets.

What is 'Victorian majolica'?

Victorian majolica refers to two glazing techniques revived by Minton in the 19th century: tin-glazed pottery in the style of Renaissance Italian maiolica, and pottery decorated with colored glazes over unglazed earthenware molded in low relief. Both were exhibited in the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862.

Who rediscovered the technique of lustered faience in the late nineteenth century?

William de Morgan rediscovered the technique of lustered faience in the late nineteenth century, achieving an extraordinarily high standard.

What is the material composition of ancient frit wares, often referred to as 'faience', and how does it differ from pottery?

Ancient frit wares, sometimes called 'faience,' are distinct from pottery because they contain no clay. Instead, they are made from a vitreous frit, which is either self-glazing or coated with a glaze. These materials were used to create objects like beads, figures, and other small items.

Where have ancient frit wares, broadly termed 'faience,' been found?

Ancient frit wares, broadly termed 'faience,' have been found in various ancient cultures. These include Egypt as early as 4000 BC, the Ancient Near East, the Indus Valley Civilization, and parts of Europe. Examples include glazed ceramic beads and figures.

What is the significance of the artifact known as 'William the Faience Hippopotamus'?

'William the Faience Hippopotamus' is a notable artifact from Meir, Egypt, dated to the Twelfth Dynasty (circa 1981–1885 BC). It is an example of ancient faience, made from vitreous frit, and is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

How did the Nubian Kingdom of Kerma develop faience, and what distinguished it from Egyptian techniques?

The Nubian Kingdom of Kerma developed extensive amounts of blue faience independently of Egyptian techniques. Artefacts from Kerma are characterized by this specific use of blue faience, differing in theme and composition from those found in ancient Egypt.

What evidence suggests Minoan Crete was influenced by Egyptian faience culture?

Evidence of Minoan Crete's connection to Egyptian faience culture comes from the recovery of faience material at archaeological sites like Knossos. This suggests that Minoan artisans were likely influenced by the techniques and styles of Egyptian faience production.

What is the origin of the term 'faience' as used in the context of pottery?

The term 'faience' is derived from the French name for the Italian city of Faenza. This city was a significant center for producing painted majolica ware, particularly for export, starting in the fifteenth century.

What key innovation allowed for the creation of fine tin-glazed pottery like faience?

The key innovation was the development of a white pottery glaze created by adding an oxide of tin to a lead glaze. This provided a suitable surface for painted decoration, distinguishing faience from earlier pottery types.

What does the term 'Hispano-Moresque wares' refer to in the context of pottery?

'Hispano-Moresque wares' refers to tin-glazed earthenware, often featuring metallic glazes (lustreware), that was perfected by the Moors in Al-Andalus. Malaga and Valencia were key production centers that exported these wares to Italy and Europe from the 14th century onwards.

How did the development of refined earthenwares in Staffordshire impact the faience market?

The development of refined earthenwares in Staffordshire, such as creamware, in the 18th century significantly impacted the faience market. These new materials were often cheaper and did not require tin-glazes to achieve a white color, eventually replacing traditional faience in many markets, including exports to Europe and the Americas.

What role did William de Morgan play in the history of faience?

William de Morgan played a significant role in the revival of faience techniques during the late nineteenth century. He rediscovered and mastered the technique of lustered faience, producing works of exceptionally high quality.

What is the primary difference between Egyptian faience and European faience (tin-glazed pottery)?

The primary difference lies in their material composition. Egyptian faience is made from a vitreous frit and contains no clay, making it closer to glass. European faience, on the other hand, is a type of tin-glazed pottery, which is fundamentally earthenware with a specific type of glaze.

What does the caption 'Modern bowl in a traditional pattern, made in Faenza, Italy, which gave its name to the type' tell us about the origin of the term 'faience'?

This caption indicates that the term 'faience' is derived from the name of the Italian city Faenza. It suggests that pottery produced in Faenza, often in traditional patterns, is the namesake for this category of ceramics.

What does the caption 'Sophisticated Rococo Niderviller faience, by a French factory that also made porcelain, 1760–65' reveal about French ceramic production?

This caption highlights that by the mid-18th century, French factories like the one producing Niderviller faience were creating sophisticated pieces in the Rococo style. It also points out that some factories were versatile, producing both faience and porcelain during this period.

What is significant about the 'Hispano-Moresque ware dish from Manises, 15th century' mentioned in its caption?

The caption signifies that this Hispano-Moresque ware dish from Manises, dating to the 15th century, represents the earliest form of European faience. This indicates the region's pioneering role in developing tin-glazed pottery in Europe.

What does the caption 'Painting a plate before firing in a kiln, Gülşehir, Cappadocia, Turkey' illustrate about faience production?

This caption illustrates the hands-on process involved in creating faience pottery, showing an artisan painting a plate before it undergoes firing in a kiln. The location in Gülşehir, Cappadocia, Turkey, points to a region where this craft is practiced.

What does the caption 'By the mid-18th century, glazed earthenware made in Liguria was imitating decors of its Dutch and French rivals' suggest about ceramic trends?

This caption suggests that by the mid-18th century, ceramic production in Liguria, Italy, was influenced by international trends. Local manufacturers were adapting their designs to mimic the popular decorative styles originating from Dutch and French faience producers.

What is the historical context provided by the caption 'shabti figure in Egyptian faience'?

The caption indicates that shabti figures, which were funerary figurines in ancient Egypt, were often made from Egyptian faience. This highlights the use of faience material in ancient Egyptian religious and burial practices.

What does the caption 'Rococo tureen, Marseille, c. 1770' tell us about faience production in Marseille?

This caption indicates that Marseille was a center for producing faience in the Rococo style around 1770. It highlights the artistic trends influencing ceramic production in specific French regions during that era.

What is the significance of the term 'faience' in relation to the city of Faenza, Italy?

The term 'faience' is directly derived from the name of the Italian city of Faenza. This city was renowned for its production of painted majolica ware, which was exported from as early as the fifteenth century, leading to its name becoming synonymous with this type of pottery.

What technical requirement was essential for the creation of the tin-based glaze used in faience?

The creation of the tin-based glaze essential for faience required a kiln capable of reaching temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,830 degrees Fahrenheit). This high-temperature firing was necessary to properly fuse the tin oxide with the lead glaze.

Faience Wiki: The Art of Faience: A Ceramic Chronicle

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Defining Faience

Core Characteristics

Faience, in its most common English usage, refers to fine tin-glazed pottery. Its defining characteristic is the application of a white pottery glaze, achieved by incorporating an oxide of tin into a lead glaze. This innovation, emerging in Iran or the Middle East before the 9th century CE, represented a significant advancement in ceramic artistry, enabling vibrant painted decoration.

Distinctions and Terminology

While "faience" is the general English term, specific sub-types often retain their regional names. Italian tin-glazed earthenware is typically called maiolica, and Dutch wares are known as Delftware. The term "faience" itself originates from the French name for Faenza, an Italian city renowned for its painted majolica ware exported from the 15th century onwards. This nomenclature highlights the interconnectedness of ceramic traditions across Europe.

Technical Nuances

Technically, faience is a form of lead-glazed earthenware. However, the term has been applied more broadly. Semi-vitreous stoneware can be glazed similarly, and the distinct material known as Egyptian faience, prevalent in ancient cultures, is not pottery at all but rather a vitreous frit, closer in composition to glass. Historically, particularly in 19th-century English usage, "faience" could also describe earthenware with relief modeling decorated in colored glazes.

A Historical Journey Through Faience

Western Mediterranean Origins

The technique of tin-glazed earthenware was introduced to Al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) by the Moors. Here, the art of lustreware, featuring metallic glazes, was perfected. From the 14th century, cities like Málaga and Valencia exported these "Hispano-Moresque wares" across the Mediterranean and into Europe, often via the Balearic Islands. This rich tradition laid the groundwork for subsequent European developments.

French and Northern European Flourishing

In the Netherlands, potters began imitating Italian maiolica and, significantly, the blue-and-white Chinese export porcelain that reached Europe. This led to the development of distinctive Delftware. France saw the rise of renowned centers like Rouen and Nevers in the 17th century, followed by innovations in Marseille, Quimper, and Strasbourg in the 18th century, often influenced by contemporary porcelain styles and Rococo aesthetics.

Ancient Frit Wares

The term "faience" also broadly encompasses finely glazed ceramic objects found in ancient Egypt (dating back to 4000 BC), the Ancient Near East, the Indus Valley, and parts of Europe. Unlike later pottery, these were typically made from a vitreous frit, not clay, and were often self-glazing or coated with a glaze, resembling glass. Notable examples include Egyptian amulets and figures, as well as artifacts from the Nubian Kingdom of Kerma and Minoan Crete.

Diverse Global Varieties

A World of Faience

The production of faience spread across continents, evolving into distinct regional styles and traditions. From the intricate designs of Italian maiolica to the iconic blue and white patterns of Dutch Delftware, and the unique contributions of manufacturers in France, Spain, Germany, and beyond, each region developed its own aesthetic and technical characteristics. This section highlights some of the most significant centers of faience production.

Regional Centers of Production

France

France became a major hub for faience production, particularly from the 17th century onwards. Key centers include:

Nevers: Known for its Italian istoriato style and later faïence parlante (talking faience) with mottoes.
Rouen: A significant early center, developing distinctive decorative styles.
Marseille: Famous for its Rococo wares, with notable factories like Veuve Perrin and Gaspard Robert.
Quimper: A long-standing tradition in Brittany, producing characteristic regional designs.
Strasbourg & Lunéville: Influenced by German porcelain, producing elaborate pieces.
Other important centers include Lyon, Moustiers, Aprey, Gien, and Creil-Montereau.

Italy

The birthplace of maiolica, Italy continued its legacy with distinct regional styles:

Laterza: Renowned for its distinctive faience.
Savona: A major production center with a long history.
Lodi: Known for its fine ceramics.
Turin and other centers also contributed significantly to Italian faience artistry.

Spain

Building on the Hispano-Moresque tradition, Spain maintained significant production centers:

Manises: A historic center for Hispano-Moresque ware and later faience.
Talavera de la Reina: Famous for its distinctive pottery styles.
Other royal factories and centers like Alcora and Sargadelos also played important roles.

Germany

German centers, often established by Dutch potters, produced significant quantities of faience:

Hanau: Site of the first German faience manufactory (1661).
Nuremberg, Öttingen, and Frankfurt: Important production hubs.
Poppelsdorf & Proskau: Notable Silesian producers.
Other centers include Schleswig, Stockelsdorf, and Stralsund.

England

England developed its own tradition of tin-glazed earthenware, known as English delftware:

Primarily produced in London (Lambeth) and other centers from the late 16th century.
Often imitated Dutch delftware and Chinese porcelain, and was used for apothecary jars and decorative dishes.
Gradually replaced by refined earthenwares like creamware in the 18th century.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is synonymous with Delftware, a highly influential style:

Delft: The most famous center, known for its blue and white pottery imitating East Asian porcelain.
Other significant producers include Gouda, Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, and Royal Tichelaar Makkum.

Denmark

Denmark boasts several renowned ceramic manufacturers:

Royal Copenhagen: A world-famous producer of porcelain and faience.
Aluminia, Bing & Grøndahl, and Kastrup Værk are other notable names.

Revival and Modern Interpretations

19th Century Renaissance

The 19th century witnessed a revival of historical ceramic techniques. Manufacturers like Minton re-introduced tin-glazed pottery in the style of Renaissance Italian maiolica, alongside colored glazes over molded earthenware, often referred to as Victorian majolica. William de Morgan also achieved remarkable standards in lustred faience during this period.

Contemporary Production

While mass-produced porcelain and refined earthenwares largely superseded traditional faience in the market by the late 18th century, many local manufactories continued to supply regional needs. Today, versions of these old styles persist as a form of folk art and are produced for contemporary markets and tourists, ensuring the enduring legacy of faience craftsmanship.

Ancient Frit Wares

Precursors to Faience

The term "faience" also broadly encompasses finely glazed ceramic objects from antiquity, distinct from later pottery. These materials, found in ancient Egypt (as early as 4000 BC), the Near East, the Indus Valley, and Europe, were typically made from a vitreous frit rather than clay. They were either self-glazing or coated with a glaze, resulting in a glassy, non-porous finish.

Egyptian and Nubian Traditions

Ancient Egypt produced a wealth of faience artifacts, including amulets, figurines, and decorative tiles. A notable example is the "William the Faience Hippopotamus" from the Twelfth Dynasty. The Nubian Kingdom of Kerma independently developed extensive use of blue faience, showcasing a distinct cultural adaptation of the material. Minoan Crete also utilized faience, likely influenced by Egyptian culture.

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References

"the larger one" in Medieval Latin and Italian, as opposed to Menorca, "the smaller one" of the Balearic Islands

W SS, 'Glazed Faience Tiles found at Kerma in the Sudan,' Museum of the Fine Arts, Vol.LX:322, Boston 1962, p. 136

Peter Lacovara, 'Nubian Faience', in ed. Florence D Friendman, Gifts of the Nile - Ancient Egyptian Faience, London: Thames & Hudson, 1998, 46-49)

C. Michael Hogan, Knossos fieldnotes, Modern Antiquarian (2007)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Faience Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure fidelity to the source material, nuances in historical and artistic interpretation may exist.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for expert consultation in art history, ceramic conservation, or curatorial practice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific academic or curatorial needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of information presented on this website.

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The Art of Faience

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Faience 🏺

✨ Core Characteristics

🧐 Distinctions and Terminology

🔬 Technical Nuances

A Historical Journey Through Faience 📜

🌍 Western Mediterranean Origins

🇫🇷 French and Northern European Flourishing

🏛️ Ancient Frit Wares

Diverse Global Varieties 🌍

🗺️ A World of Faience

Regional Centers of Production 📍

🇫🇷 France

🇮🇹 Italy

🇪🇸 Spain

🇩🇪 Germany

🇬🇧 England

🇳🇱 Netherlands

🇩🇰 Denmark

Revival and Modern Interpretations 💡

🎨 19th Century Renaissance

🏺 Contemporary Production

Ancient Frit Wares 🏛️

⏳ Precursors to Faience

🇪🇬 Egyptian and Nubian Traditions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

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To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Faience

Core Characteristics

Distinctions and Terminology

Technical Nuances

A Historical Journey Through Faience

Western Mediterranean Origins

French and Northern European Flourishing

Ancient Frit Wares

Diverse Global Varieties

A World of Faience

Regional Centers of Production

France

Italy

Spain

Germany

England

Netherlands

Denmark

Revival and Modern Interpretations

19th Century Renaissance

Contemporary Production

Ancient Frit Wares

Precursors to Faience

Egyptian and Nubian Traditions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice