As one of France's most iconic and revered porcelain brands, Sèvres porcelain embodies the elegance of French artistry, world-class craftsmanship, and a tradition of limited yearly production. Originating from the Sèvres region, the name "Sèvres porcelain" is most famously associated with the royal workshops, once known as the Royal Porcelain Factory, which became a symbol of French royal prestige. Over time, the Sèvres porcelain legacy expanded with distinct regional workshops, such as the MP series known for its peacock blue and the SMF series. This article focuses on the history and features of the Royal Porcelain Factory, also known as the Sèvres Imperial Workshop.
The history of Sèvres porcelain dates back to the early 18th century when the royal factory was founded under the direction of Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV. After the secret of Chinese porcelain was uncovered by German craftsmen, the French integrated these techniques with local French elements, thus creating the distinctive Sèvres porcelain. Established in 1740, the factory was initially located in the Château de Vincennes, on the outskirts of Paris. However, to be closer to the Palace of Versailles, it moved to Sèvres in 1756, marking the official beginning of the “Royal Sèvres Porcelain.” Following the French Revolution and the fall of the monarchy, the factory entered the era of the Imperial Workshop, continuing to produce porcelain for the French Empire.
During the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870), the Sèvres Imperial Workshop reached its peak. At this time, the factory employed over 600 craftsmen, and its porcelain was highly sought after by royalty, aristocrats, and the bourgeoisie. The porcelain pieces were known for their opulent gilding and intricate hand-painted designs, with the phrase “richly adorned with motifs of wealth and nobility” becoming a hallmark of this period’s Sèvres porcelain.
By the late 19th century, the Sèvres factory entered the era of the National Factory, which continues to this day. In recent years, the rising interest from Chinese collectors has led to a significant surge in the demand for Sèvres porcelain. For Western antique enthusiasts, owning a piece of Sèvres porcelain is considered a prestigious mark of connoisseurship.
A key feature of Sèvres porcelain is its distinctive blue glaze, known as "Sèvres Blue," which has captivated collectors for centuries. This blue hue comes in two main varieties: the Royal Blue and Cloud Blue. Depending on the firing process, Sèvres Blue can range from light blue to deep blue, with subtle variations in tone and texture. Royal Blue, for instance, can appear in shades of sky blue, pure blue, or blue-black, each with its own unique effect. Sky-blue Royal Blue, often used for hand-painted decorations such as 18th- and 19th-century vases and plates, is rarely seen in pure form. Pure blue Royal Blue, on the other hand, presents a true blue color in daylight, with a slight purple tinge in dimmer light, while the blue-black Royal Blue is deeper and richer, often achieved by adding an additional layer of glaze.
Cloud Blue is another captivating variation of Sèvres porcelain, with its distinctive textures: granite, marble, and mist-like patterns. The granite Cloud Blue features fine, granular patterns, while the marble Cloud Blue displays lightning-like veins, creating a dynamic effect. The mist Cloud Blue, on the other hand, evokes the image of a dreamy sky with soft, cotton-like clouds drifting through it, appearing ethereal and mysterious. There is also an "invisible" Cloud Blue, which changes color depending on the lighting—appearing more subdued in low light but bursting into brilliance when exposed to direct sunlight. The “visible” Cloud Blue, as seen in pieces from the Napoleonic era, is distinct and vibrant in any lighting condition, making it a striking feature of many Sèvres porcelain works.
In certain more complex firing processes, multiple shades of blue may be used on a single object. For example, some sugar bowls and flowerpots feature a blend of deep blue and pure blue Royal Blue. At the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, pieces like the fruit bowl showcased a base of sky-blue Royal Blue adorned with pure and deep blue, a perfect example of Sèvres’ intricate underglaze decoration techniques.
Sèvres porcelain has a history spanning over 200 years, during which its trademarks have evolved. From the 1740s to 1756, the factory used the Vincennes period mark, while from 1756 onward, the classic Sèvres mark has been used. These marks not only signify the factory’s historical development but also reflect the changing techniques and styles throughout different periods of Sèvres porcelain production.
To this day, Sèvres porcelain remains a high-end collectible within the Western antique market. Its exquisite craftsmanship and unique artistic value continue to make it a coveted prize for collectors. Despite numerous studies on the subject, no book or individual has yet provided a completely comprehensive study of Sèvres porcelain, which only serves to highlight the profound cultural and historical significance of these remarkable pieces.