Faïencerie Des Charolles

The invention of tin-glazed earthenware was a major breakthrough in the history of pottery. While this technique is referred to as majolica in Italy and delft in the Netherlands and England, this is known as faïence in France, Germany, Spain and Scandinavia.

Historical records indicate that this invention, which requires a kiln capable of producing temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C (1,830 °F), dates back to before the ninth century and is likely to have originated in Iran or the Middle East.

In southern Burgundy is a city called Charolles and it is here where in 1844, a certain Hippolyte Prost set up The Earthenware Works, which later became the FAÏENCERIE DE CHAROLLES (FdC). The pieces of this collection are quite prized and examples can be seen in various French museums.

Today, with its century-old know-how, the FdC factory and its Le Cercle design studio, combines hand-made manufacturing techniques with the highest quality raw materials to produce stunning lampshades, vases, plates and various other objects. Their style is contemporary and geometrical and they often opt for oversized products. Each design is based upon a taste for timeless luxury.