Paris Porcelain (France) ceramics

Paris porcelain, also known as "soft-paste porcelain," refers to a type of ceramic material that was produced in Paris, France by a number of potteries starting in the mid-18th century. It was a response to the increasing demand for porcelain, which was previously imported from China, and later from Germany and England.

The first successful Paris porcelain factory was established by the chemist and entrepreneur Claude-Francois Thibault in 1745. He was able to create a type of porcelain that was softer and more malleable than the hard-paste porcelain imported from China. This new material allowed for greater artistic expression and decoration, and the Paris porcelain quickly gained popularity among the French nobility and aristocracy.

During the 18th century, many new porcelain factories were established in Paris, each with their own unique styles and techniques. Some of the most famous Paris porcelain factories include the Vincennes factory more... (founded in 1740 and later moved to Sèvres), the Chantilly factory (founded in 1730), and the Mennecy factory (founded in 1750).

One of the most notable characteristics of Paris porcelain is its elaborate decoration, often featuring intricate hand-painted designs in vibrant colors. Many pieces also feature gold or silver accents, as well as relief decoration in the form of flowers, leaves, and other motifs.

Paris porcelain continued to be produced throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, although the industry faced many challenges due to economic and political upheavals. less...