Antique and Vintage Ceramics, Pottery, and Dinnerware: Serve Up Style with a Side of History
Discover our curated selection of handmade antique and vintage ceramics—from vibrant Italian majolica to elegant French faience, timeless dinnerware that brings both beauty and character to the table. At Wildschut Antiques, each piece is selected for its charm, craftsmanship, and ability to spark joy in everyday rituals.
A Rich History of Ceramic Artistry
Our collection features lovely pieces of Italian and French faience plates, beautifully crafted by skilled artisans from centuries past. Faience pottery, known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, has been a cherished part of European dining for generations. These handcrafted ceramics were once prized for their fine detail, and they continue to be highly sought after by collectors and decorators alike.
Majolica, Faience & Barbotine: A Trio of Timeless Techniques
Antique ceramics aren’t just beautiful—they’re also full of character, technique, and history. Among the most beloved are majolica, faience, and barbotine, each offering a different personality to your table or collection.
Majolica
Known for its bold reliefs and vibrant, glossy glazes, Italian and Spanish majolica has been turning heads since the Renaissance. Expect lively scenes, rich botanical motifs, and a saturated color palette that’s full of joy.
Faience
A French and Northern European favorite, faience is refined and painterly. Its white or pastel tin-glazed surface serves as a canvas for delicate florals, pastoral scenes, and chinoiserie-inspired patterns. A touch more understated, but never boring.
Barbotine
Then there's barbotine, the French cousin of majolica—playful, sculptural, and often unexpected. This 19th-century technique involves painting liquid clay slip directly onto ceramic surfaces, creating a high-relief, almost 3D effect. Think grapevines that spill off the edge or fruits that look good enough to eat. Barbotine pieces often depict naturalistic themes and are prized for their texture, whimsy, and painterly quality.
In our collection, you’ll find an evolving selection of these techniques—some vibrant and playful, others subtly poetic.
Italian and French Ceramic Dinnerware
From Italy's Tuscan countryside to France's charming villages, we offer a variety of antique dinnerware that embodies the rich history of European pottery. Italian ceramics, renowned for their bold, colorful designs, capture the spirit of rustic elegance. French faience, on the other hand, is known for its refined craftsmanship and delicate patterns, often inspired by nature, floral motifs, and the grandeur of the French countryside. Whether you're seeking statement plates or complete sets of dinnerware, our collection brings the best of both worlds to your table.
The Playful Charm of the Duck and Animal Pitchers
Among our most delightful offerings is the St. Clément Duck Pitcher, a whimsical French ceramic jug with a cult following. This hand-painted character pitcher captures the joyful, slightly absurd side of French ceramic artistry. With its vivid glaze and expressive face, it's as much a conversation starter as it is a functional serving piece.
But the duck is just the beginning
St. Clément and other historic pottery houses created an entire barnyard of animal-themed pitchers: roosters, pigs, cockatoos—even the occasional fish—all bursting with personality. These jugs are perfect for pouring drinks or simply brightening a shelf with their cheerful absurdity. Whimsical? Yes. But always well-crafted and utterly collectible!
Handmade History for the Modern Table
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or curating the perfect shelfscape, antique ceramics offer texture, charm, and a story worth telling. Expect to find:
- French faience plates with floral motifs
- Italian hand-painted majolica plates and bowls
- Artisan bowls and serving dishes with irresistible patina
- Animal pitchers by St. Clément
- Everything that is colorful and whimsical!
Each piece is a window into a slower, more intentional time—perfect for those who love to mix history with everyday elegance.
Why Choose Antique and Vintage Ceramics?
Antique and vintage ceramics offer more than just beauty; they are pieces of history that tell stories of artistry and tradition. Each plate, bowl, and serving dish in our collection has been crafted with care, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. Unlike mass-produced dinnerware, these handpicked ceramics have a unique charm that can't be replicated. By choosing antique ceramics, you are investing in pieces that have stood the test of time and will continue to enhance your dining experience for years to come.
Why Shop Ceramics at Wildschut Antiques
Because we don’t just collect—we curate. From flea markets in France to countryside auctions in Italy, we hand-pick ceramics that speak to us for their craftsmanship, color, and soul. Whether you're hunting for a single standout plate or building a layered tablescape, our selection is full of surprises and style.
Elevate Your Table with Vintage Dinnerware
Whether you're looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your daily meals or searching for the perfect statement piece for a special occasion, our collection of antique and vintage ceramics and dinnerware will elevate your table setting. From delicate French faience plates to rustic Italian pottery, each piece has its own unique character and charm.
Explore Our Ceramic Collection Today
Discover the elegance and artistry of antique and vintage ceramics at Wildschut Antiques, whether for everyday use or special occasions.
Explore the collection today—because every meal deserves a bit of magic.
