Faience

Faience is a type of ceramic characterized by a porous structure and covered with glaze. Unlike thin and dense porcelain, faience is less durable but has a rich history in decorative art. It is used for tableware, vases, tiles, and decorative panels. In Europe, faience has been especially popular since the 17th century, when famous manufactories appeared, for example, in Versailles and at the Meissen factory, which produced brightly painted items.

The feature is that the glaze on faience gives items shine and protection, and it can be matte or glossy. Colorful and contrasting paintings often depict flowers, mythological subjects, or landscapes.

Interestingly, in the 18th century some collectors preferred faience because of its cheapness, while today such items are valued as antiques.

Faience is a great example of how utilitarian things become works of art, creating a connection between everyday life and aesthetics.