Expertise
Two hundred years of expertise
Its two centuries-old expertise allows the Faïencerie de Gien to produce fine earthenware of exceptional quality. The techniques have remained traditional and synonymous with excellence. It is a long and delicate process that requires time, concentration, and patience. Each piece requires 26 components, three firings, and passes through the hands of thirty master potters. At each stage, the quality is controlled by...
“sing” the earthenware.
From raw materials (sands, clays, kaolin) to the plate, via molds, enamels and pigments, all stages of production are carried out in Gien, according to unique formulas and know-how, kept secret.
Hand-painted collections require even more work and considerable expertise. They are unique, prestigious pieces.
100% integrated manufacturing
Molding
We have our own in-house modeling workshop, allowing us to control the manufacturing of our molds so that they are perfectly suited to our production constraints.
Shaping
Sand, clay, and kaolin form the essential base of Gien earthenware clay. We make our own clay according to a recipe kept secret for 200 years. Once the clay is obtained, the pieces are handcrafted by slip casting or molding, depending on their shape, and undergo a first firing at 1145°C, after which the white, porous bisque is obtained, ready to be glazed and decorated.
Finishing touches on the biscuit
The details are carefully crafted: the handles and lid knobs are applied separately by hand, the pieces are sponged and brushed to eliminate any roughness.
Enameling
Essential for protecting the bisque, the glaze, whether transparent or colored, gives the bisque its glossy or satin finish, enhancing the decoration. All our glazes are made in our workshop. Glazing is done manually by dipping or by spraying for solid colors. Once glazed, the piece undergoes a second firing at 1045°C.
Decoration
Chromolithography The design is applied by hand, like a decal, onto a white enameled piece. This piece then undergoes a third firing at 1045°C, which melts the enamel again, allowing the colors of the chromolithograph to penetrate. The design becomes permanent.
Hand-painted This technique demands exceptional artistic skill and is reserved for prestigious pieces. The outlines of the designs are hand-printed using an 18th-century technique from engraved copper plates. The piece is then hand-painted. Mastering these techniques and this extremely meticulous work requires at least three years of experience. All the pigments used are created in-house in our laboratory.
Cooking
The pieces undergo three firings throughout their manufacture, with temperatures controlled very precisely in tunnel kilns for 24 to 30 hours.
Sorting
After each batch of baked goods, the products pass through our sorting workshop. They are checked according to demanding standards to ensure consistent quality. The sorting criteria take into account all the characteristics resulting from manufacturing constraints and guarantee the best compromise between the product's appearance and its production method.
