The Beauty and Tradition of Authentic Provencal Pottery

The Allure of Traditional Provencal Pottery

The south of France is renowned for its charming villages, fields of lavender, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. But another hallmark of Provence is its distinctive rustic pottery. Provencal pottery encompasses a range of earthenware produced in southern France, much of it handcrafted using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

With its warm earth tones, handmade imperfections, and utilitarian nature, Provencal pottery exudes rustic charm. For those enamored by the relaxed aesthetic of French country decor, Provencal pottery makes an excellent addition to the home. Beyond just visually appealing decorative pieces, many Provencal ceramics are also functional wares meant for daily use in the kitchen and around the home.

History and Origins of Provencal Pottery

The tradition of pottery in Provence dates back thousands of years to the Roman occupation of southern France. Amphorae, plates, bowls, and other vessels were produced in the region to supply the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, pottery production continued in Provence but with less uniformity of style.

By the Middle Ages, pottery was being produced in small villages across Provence, with areas like Moustiers, Apt, and Aubagne emerging as centers of production. Pottery was made for local use, with forms following function. In the 16th-18th centuries, earthenware production peaked to supply things like kitchenware, pharmacy jars, and aloières (boxes for storing garlic).

In the 19th century, production declined due to industrialization. But there was a revival of Provencal pottery in the 20th century as interest grew in traditional craft. Today, many potteries across Provence produce both reproductions of antique styles as well as new interpretations of Provencal earthenware.

Notable Pottery Styles and Areas

There are a few main styles and production areas that are iconic when it comes to Provencal pottery:

Moustiers Pottery

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is renowned as one of the top centers for Provencal earthenware. Situated in the Southern Alps, it has a long tradition of pottery production dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Moustiers wares are known for their creamy white glaze and decorative blue accent motifs.

Typical forms include faience plates and serving pieces, olive oil pourers, and receptacles like pots and vases. Moustiers pottery often features rural Provencal motifs like olives, garlic, fruits, trees, and local birds.

Santon Figurines

Santons are small painted terracotta figurines that depict typical Provencal villagers and craftspeople. Santons originated in Marseille in the 18th century and soon spread across Provence as popular nativity scene figures.

Today, Moustiers and Aix-en-Provence are centers of santon production. Santons make lively additions to Provencal holiday decor or can be displayed year-round in groupings as mini scenes of Provencal life.

Apt Pottery

The hill town of Apt in the Luberon Valley has been a hub for pottery since the Middle Ages. Apt ware is distinctive for its clay, which contains a high concentration of green celadon that gives it a unique color.

Stylistically, Apt pottery often features etched florals and geometrics accented with yellow ochre. Virebent is a green-glazed Apt pottery style that mimics Chinese celadon. Traditional Apt pottery forms include plates, jars, bottles, and olive oil pouring jugs.

Glazed Tiles

The South of France is also known for its beautiful decorative tiles adorning fountains, floors, walls, and ceilings. Many Provencal villages have outdoor community fountains embellished with these tiles. Typical colors are yellow and green hues against a white background.

Some places that are famous for their tiles are Marseille, Salon-de-Provence, Moustiers, Aubagne, and Nimes. These glazed tiles capture the essence of Provencal design with bright Mediterranean colors and quaint motifs.

Characteristics of Traditional Provencal Pottery

Beyond the main styles, there are some overarching characteristics that define the Provencal look in ceramics:

Rustic Aesthetic

Provencal pottery has a distinctly rustic and handcrafted aesthetic. The pottery tends to look rough hewn and irregular with a charm that reflects its handmade origins.

Warm Earth Tones

Terracotta clay fired without a glaze produces the iconic warm peach, orange, and ocher hues. Unglazed pottery has a subdued matte look that embodies the colors of Provence.

Blue Accent Motifs

Cobalt blue accents and patterns are signature details in much Provencal pottery. This bold pop of blue provides a nice contrast against the neutral terracotta tones.

Mediterranean Motifs

Images drawn from Provencal life feature heavily in the decorations. Olives, fruits, vines, trees, animals, and villagers at work capture Provence's agrarian heritage.

Traditional Forms

Many Provencal ceramics take traditional vessel forms that reflect their uses, like olive oil containers, vases, platters, pots, and pitchers.

Using Provencal Pottery for French Country Decor

For antique French country style, Provencal pottery makes an excellent addition for creating that relaxed Provence look. Here are some tips for incorporating it into home decor:

Kitchenware

Use Provencal style pots, canisters, vessels and serving pieces for the kitchen. Their charming imperfections and bright pops of blue or yellow bring warmth to food prep and dining.

Focal Points

Place Provencal pottery pieces like vases, urns or olive jars as focal points on shelves, mantles, side tables or windowsills. They work nicely as accents against whitewashed walls.

Textured Neutrals

Mix unglazed terracotta hues into your neutral decor palette. The matte peach and ocher tones complement linen, wood, straw, and stone.

Wall Arrangements

Groupings of Provencal tiles, plates or santons create charming wall vignettes. Hang them salon style or in neat grids for lots of visual interest.

Outdoor Accents

Use Provencal planters, urns and oil jars to bring Mediterranean charm to porches, patios, window boxes or garden paths.

Where to Find Authentic Provencal Pottery

To find quality authentic Provencal pottery, here are some good options:

In Provence

Visiting the villages and towns in Provence that produce pottery is the best way to get true local wares. Seek out shops and artisan studios in places like Moustiers, Apt, Aubagne and Aix-en-Provence.

French Markets

Markets across France often have vendors selling traditional pottery from different regions. Paris, Nice, and other big cities are good places to browse for Provencal ceramics.

Online Shops

Many online retailers specialize in sourcing authentic French country pottery and can be great resources. Look for shops that work directly with artisan studios in France.

Secondhand

For rare antique Provencal pottery, estate sales, auctions and secondhand shops may yield special vintage finds.

The Timeless Allure of Provencal Pottery

With its imperfect rustic forms, warm earthy hues, and Mediterranean motifs, Provencal pottery evokes the essence of the sunny south of France. Both beautiful and functional, these traditional ceramics have graced Provencal tables and homes for generations. For antique French country decor, Provencal pottery is the perfect way to add relaxed rural charm.

FAQs

What are the main styles of Provencal pottery?

Some of the most well known Provencal pottery styles include Moustiers pottery with its blue decorative motifs, the terracotta santon figurines, green-glazed pottery from Apt, and the colorful glazed tiles seen on fountains and buildings across Provence.

Where is Provencal pottery produced?

Provencal pottery is produced across southern France, but some notable production centers include Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Apt, Aubagne, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. Each area is known for certain styles.

What characteristics define the Provencal pottery aesthetic?

Provencal pottery is defined by its handcrafted rustic look, warm earthtone colors, blue decorative accents, Mediterranean inspired motifs, and traditional vessel forms.

How can I use Provencal pottery in home decor?

Provencal pottery can be incorporated into French country decor through pieces like kitchenware, focal point objets d'art, wall arrangements, and outdoor planters or urns. The colors and textures complement a neutral palette.

Where can I buy authentic Provencal pottery?

To find quality authentic Provencal pottery, shop directly in Provence, at French markets, from online retailers sourcing from French artisans, or seek out vintage and antique pieces at secondhand shops or auctions.