Today's Journal

Faienceries de Niderviller

I was first introduced to Faienceries de Niderviller during my very first visit to the Maison & Objet trade show in Paris.  I was opening a new shop, Tournesol, and wanted to search the world for fabulous and fascinating items for my customers.  The Maison & Objet offers the finest items from around the world...and it is, of course, in Paris!

At the time, Faienceries de Niderviller was not well known in the United States so I did not know their reputation.  In France, they are known as one of the oldest and finest names in tableware. They are also known for their sense of history and traditions.  As soon as I met their designers, I uderstood their reputation.  

Founded in 1735 by Mathias Lespirit in Niderviller in the Lorraine region of France near the German border, the factory thrived under the ownership of Baron Jean Louis de Beyerle. The baron sought to create a luxurious faience for the aristocracy.  The Faienceries produced its first dinnerware service of Baroque extravagence in 1758.  

We have added the classic Country French pattern "Maintenon Patine" to our website.  This colorful  pattern was named in honor of French dramatist, Moliere and French author Paul Scarron, the husband of Francoise d'Aubigne, future Madame de Maintenon.   I have learned that Madame de Maintenon had quite a "colorful " life!

Madame de Maintenon was born in 1635. Her father, the Huguenot Constant d'Aubigne, was imprisoned for consipiracy against Cardinal Richelieu and her mother was the daughter of his jailer.  She married Scarron, who was 25 years her senior until his death nine years later.  She became friendly with Madame de Montespan, the King's lover,  and took care of their child.  Eventually, Madame de Maintenon replaced Madame de Montespan as the King Louis XIV's  favorite. 

After the death of  Queen Marie-Therese, it is said the the King married Madame de Maintenon.  She died in 1719, at the age of 83.  I have just ordered her biography, The Secret Wife of Louis XIV, which should be fascinating.

The colors of the Maintenon Patine pallette are luscious.  Design your own dinner set.  Mix and match colors as you wish... or choose to go monochromatic.  Maintenon Patine is dishwasher and microwave safe.  No matter what, you will set a fabulous table!