Large Italian Renaissance Pot Cache in Gien Earthenware, 19th Century

Magnificent old pot holder in Gien earthenware, "Italian Renaissance" decoration on a white background, a beautiful tribute to the Italian majolica of Deruta, Faenza, Urbino, etc...

This model with a poly-lobed border reveals under its three handles delightful mythological scenes painted by hand in shades of gold, blue, orange, red, yellow and green.
This piece is in excellent condition and has no cracks or chips.

Period : 19th century
Circa : 1875 - 1880
Dimensions : Height : 25cm
Diameter at the widest : 25cm - Diameter of the base : 20cm
Signature : Interlaced letters

Among the numerous earthenware factories of the 19th century, the reputation of the Gien factory is equal to those of Creil-Monterau, Longwy, Sarreguemines or Bordeaux.

The earthenware factory of Gien in the Loiret, in the Centre Val de Loire region was founded in 1821 by an Englishman.
Thomas Edme Hulm, known as Hall, was a British industrialist from a family that owned an earthenware factory in Montereau-Fault-Yonne in the Seine-et-Marne. 
In order to promote fine English earthenware in France, he settled on the banks of the Loire, in the former convent of the Minimes de Gien.
This geographical location was strategic, as local raw materials were available (siliceous pebbles from the Loire, clays, sands) and wood from the forests of Orleans could be easily transported by the Loire to feed the firing kilns.

The earthenware factory specializes in the production of tableware. At first white with blue decorations, it then evolved to be inspired by the most famous tableware: Saxony, China, Marseille, Ottoman Empire or even the Renaissance to make them more accessible. 
It is a great success and many artists are invited to imagine new forms and decorations.

The productions of the factory receive many international awards between 1855 and 1900. 
In 1875, the factory took the name of Faïencerie de Gien, after merging with the company "Les émaux de Briare". The company thus developed the technique of cloisonné enamels, offering new perspectives for the decorations.

The last 20 years of the 19th century saw the Faïencerie distinguish itself through its creativity and technical performance, which allowed the realization of monumental and original pieces. The factory received a gold medal in Philadelphia and at the Universal Exhibition in 1900.