Vintage 20th c. Moustiers Serving Bowl

Vintage Moustiers Serving Bowl

• vintage circa 1950
• found in Paris, France
  
• made in Moustiers, France
• hand painted classic motifs of the Moustiers region on white tin glazed earthenware known as faience
• Approximately 2.25" high x 6.5" diameter

A charming hand-painted faience serving dish from Moustiers, France, beautifully decorated with whimsical bird and floral motifs in the beloved Provençal tradition. Featuring a graceful side handle and pouring lip, this petite piece was likely intended for warm sauces, melted butter, or fondue service. Rich in old-world character and artisan craftsmanship, it brings a touch of French provincial elegance to the table or open shelving display.

Moustiers Ceramics

Moustiers ceramics, or Moustiers faience, originated in the small Provençal village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and became one of the most celebrated forms of French tin-glazed earthenware during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Known for their refined hand-painted decoration and luminous white glaze, Moustiers pieces were often inspired by Italian maiolica, Chinese porcelain, and the elegance of French Rococo design. Early examples frequently featured delicate blue floral motifs, while later works became more elaborate with mythological scenes, grotesques, chinoiserie figures, birds, and whimsical pastoral imagery.

What makes Moustiers faience especially significant is the artistry and individuality of each piece. Unlike factory-made ceramics, these wares were hand-painted by skilled artisans, making no two exactly alike. The region became renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and helped establish Provence as an important center of decorative arts in France.

Today, antique Moustiers ceramics are highly prized for their romantic Old World character, painterly quality, and connection to the refined decorative tastes of the Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI periods.