Faience Definition

Faience is a conventional English word that refers to tin-glazed pottery or decorated earthenware. Faenza, a city in Italy was a recognized and renowned earthenware production center. The French used to refer to the earthenware made in Faenza as ‘faience.’  Subsequently, earthenware made in France was also known by the same name. In early days, Faience was seen covered with tin glaze white in color. We can see Faience bowls, plates, vases, cups, and dinner sets in the antiques market. Faience wares are mainly from Germany, France, and Scandinavia. The meaning of the term ‘faience’ also extended to include fine-glazed ceramic beads, small objects, and figures found as early as 4000 BC around Egypt and Europe. But these objects are not pottery as it does not contain clay. These are either self glazing or glazed vitreous enamel frit.     
 
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