Rare St. Clément Faïance Plates (France, 1970s)

Produced sometime during early 1970s in the Saint-Clément region, just 12 kms from Lunéville, made of thick and heavy faïance, these three surviving plates are just one more standing ovation of the St.Clément mastery.

The history of the factory dates to 1728. In that year, Jacques Chambrette built his first factory in Luneville near the River Muse in the province of Lorraine. Chambrette began exporting his factory’s products to Italy, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Since business was so successful and to escape the high taxation imposed by the king on wares from the Lorraine area, Chambrette in 1758 opened a second factory in Saint-Clement where he could escape the high tax rate. This second factory was actually aimed to produce higher quality pieces that ended up in the royal palaces across France, becoming the royal supplier for Marie Antoinette’s Trianon (Versailles).

But hey not everything was going that great, and unfortunately, the Luneville factory went bankrupt and Chambrette sold the company to Sebastian Keller and his brother in law, Guerin, from which resulted the K&G Luneville company - one the largest and most known French pottery producers, which assured business continuity.

In 1922, Edouard Fenal, became the new owner of the company which opened the way for establishing the ‘Atelier d`Art de Lunéville’, where Edmond Lachenal, French potter and a key figure in the French art pottery movement worked alongside Ernest Bussière, a French Art Nouveau sculptor and ceramist, that first debuted at the Salon of 1883. Born and raised near Nancy, he trained as a sculptor at the Paris École des Beaux-Arts, supporting himself by working for Louis Majorelle. Majorelle, was also a French artist, cabinetmaker, furniture designer and ironworker, one of the leading exponents of the Art Nouveau movement.

They were joined by sculptors Charles Lemanceau and Geo Condé joined the ceramists Joseph and Pierre Mougin and they created Art Nouveau and Art Déco earthenware. However, the traditional production was continued until our days.

This set of 3 large plates are ideal for any vintage inspired meal setting, they are super sturdy and the hand painted flowers on that grainy speckled earthenware would look really lovely.

Product specifications

Country of manufacture — France 

Condition —Excellent — This vintage/antique piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use.

Restoration and Damage Details — Patina consistent with age and use.

Material — Ceramic

Size — Ø 25 cm