Faience
from Moustiers has a long and illustrious history. In the 17th
century, Louis XIV, in order to finance his wars, ordered the members
of the nobility to melt their gold and silver tableware and donate it
to the cause. Accustomed to enormous luxury, the courtiers required
a substitute which would be equally refined and artistic. Faience from
Moustiers fit the bill, enchanting the nobility with its luminous and
beautiful creative designs and stanniferous glazes.
At
the Atelier Soleil the faience is fabricated using traditional methods
of old. There are three artists, who design and paint each piece by
hand, using either re-editions of historical patterns or newly created
images. Each piece is unique, no two are alike; they are made to order
and can be custom tailored to the client’s wishes. The word “art”
takes on its full meaning. The client is king, as in the 17th and 18th
centuries.
The
faience of Moustiers reflects the rich variety of its lengthy pedigree.
Each piece is a delicate, refined jewel reflecting the coalescence of
tradition and moderninity.
|
