Earthenware

There are two types of faience. The first is the stanniferous earthenware or majolica, clay-baked earth covered with a tin-based glaze giving it a white and glossy appearance. The second is the fine faience of an ivory color given by a lead-glaze. Mastered from the IXth century in the Orient, where Iznik faience originated, earthenware spread throughout the Middle Ages throughout Europe. Very quickly, many earthenware factories are formed in Delft, Rouen, Samson or Lille. In Vallauris, many faience workshops have been set up, such as Grandjean-Jourdan, Robert Picault and Jérôme Massier. Some earthenware have a reputation and a significant historical interest such as Bernard Palissy's achievements in the 16th century, inspired by ceramists such as Georges Pull (1810-1889) and Alfred Renoleau, who made many fish dishes around 1890. Tiles are also widespread In Italy, notably with that of Del Vecchio in Naples.