Antique French Faïence Pot, Pexonne

Period: Circa 1900, French

Size: 3¼ inches tall, 4¼ inches wide

A small straight-sided pot in white-glazed faïence, with a rolled rim and a raised ring molded just below it. The glaze is a warm cream that has crazed all over into a fine network, and it has taken on a tan stain across the interior and in patches on the body and base. The base is flat with a shallow recessed center and carries the printed Pexonne mark, a shield with FF and stars. Scattered dark specks in the glaze are from the firing. Wear consistent with age and use, sold as found.

Historical Context

The faïencerie de Pexonne, in the Vosges foothills of Lorraine, was founded in 1720 and is one of the oldest in the region. The Fenal family owned it from 1836, and the FF mark is Fenal Frères, the partnership of brothers and nephews who ran it through its busiest years around 1900, when the works employed close to four hundred people making everything from tableware to faïence stoves. Plain pots like this one were made for the pantry, holding butter, rillettes or preserves.

Styling Ideas

Small enough for a desk or a nightstand, holding pens or a few stems. On a kitchen counter it takes salt or a bar of soap by the sink, and it sits well in a group of small white pots at varied heights.