DECORATING WITH FAÏENCE

Just arrived in the shop are the latest pieces by Jean Paul Gourdon. Inspired by nature and the 18th. century his pieces are more beautiful than ever. They are inspirational to photograph...

This large white cabbage leaf soup tureen sits on a French Empire table the white veins in the marble top just showing..............

White Faïence Hure de Sanglier

In France during the 18th century animal subjects were often used for pottery produced as tableware. There are many examples to be seen in the Musèe de la Chasse in Paris. Mostly coloured to resemble nature there are examples of terrines with birds and animals including examples of a Boar's Head Terrine, usually not on a platter. The one above is inspired by these earlier pieces and is made of enamelled white "Faïence" (pottery). The head sits on a large platter,  with applied oak leaves around the edge.  A magnificent centre piece on a sideboard.

White faïence Wild Boar Terrine

Still on the theme of the Wild Boar, in this case the recumbent boar is the lid.  Surrounded by oak leaves, which are again used to adorn the handles of the base. 

White Faïence Capercaillie or Coq de Bruyere

Shown here on a mid 18th century marquetry commode by Guillaume Schwingkens circa 1750

This life size sculpture of a male Capercaillie is also a terrine, the upper part of the bird lifts off to reveal  the inside of the terrine.

Pair of White Faïence Hare Terrines

This wonderful pair of 'Hare Terrines" were photographed on a large  empire commode in front of a set of late 17th century black and white engravings.

'Taureau' 

This strong terracotta bull stands on an early 19th century French mahogany desk in front of an early 18th century Felletin Verdure Tapestry. 

Willow in front of our Dubois Commode lying in the morning sun.....................more soon