Faience is a term used to describe a type of glazed pottery that was commonly produced in Europe, particularly France and Italy, during the 16th to 18th centuries. The word itself is derived from the Italian word "faenza," which refers to a region in Italy that was renowned for its production of these ceramics.
Faience is characterized by its distinct glaze, which typically has a soft, opaque appearance and can vary in color from white to shades of blue, green, yellow, or brown. The glaze is applied over a molded clay body, which can be either earthenware or stoneware. The finished pieces often feature intricate designs or patterns, which are painted directly onto the glaze using metallic oxides before firing.
Due to its popularity and wide range of styles, faience has become highly collectible. It is valued for its artistic quality, as well as its historical significance. Faience pieces can be found in various forms, including plates, vases, tiles, and figurines, among others.
In addition to its decorative appeal, faience has also been utilized for practical purposes. Its impermeable glaze makes it suitable for storing liquids, which is why it has been commonly used for creating vessels such as jugs, pitchers, and bowls.
Today, faience continues to be produced by skilled artisans, often using traditional techniques. The term may also be used more broadly to refer to glazed pottery from other regions or time periods that exhibit similar characteristics to the original European faience.
