aptware
I may be late showing up to this party, but better late than never…
Check out this dinnerware. Look familiar?
I've only shared this Caroylne Roehm table about ten times now. Remember the obsession? Allow me to remind you: I have the napkins, I have the glassware, and I have been on a madman search for this dinnerware...
And now I can tell you just about anything you ever wanted to know about Aptware, and more. It comes in blue...
Charlotte Moss had it in yellow, but she sold it in an auction. Of course that was before I had ever heard of Aptware...
I love that yellow!
And it comes in this gorgeous green...
The tureen is a favorite shape...
Aptware, named for the small town in France where it originated, was developed around mid-18th century. The beautifully colored marbleized faience pottery was naturally inspired by the colored soils in that region. Aptware is mainly from Apt, but also other areas of Provence like Le Castellet.
If you are traveling in this part of the country, aptware can certainly be found in various shops...
While researching, I found very few images featuring the exquisite pottery.
The green pieces I found are from Cote Jardin Antiques ~ a favorite shop with locations in West Palm Beach, Washington D.C. and West Hollywood, CA.
Surprise, Aptware is not cheap.
Just look at that table!
I also found these exquisite antique pieces of Aptware in a wonderful shop in Houston, Texas, Meli-Melo.
I'm in love with this pair of urns.
Meli-Melo also features what looks like Terre Melee pieces. An amazing collection to be sure.
Here are some other images I found during my search that I'm guessing are examples of antique Aptware...
All this research on Aptware eventually resulted in the discovery of Pichon pottery which originated in the town of Uzes in Provence, only about 100 miles from Apt. This marbleized clay, similar in appearance, is just as lovely, and just as difficult to find.
(source)
What is fascinating about both Aptware and Pichon, is that the marbling effect achieved with these ceramics is from mixed earth. In other words, the ceramic itself is made up of different types of earth. When you consider the fact that each of the earths has a unique firing temperature, and also the difficulty factor involved in successfully firing a whole piece, it is quite remarkable. This is all in contrast to a marbling effect created by applying colored glazes to an existing, already fired piece of pottery ~ more like "painting" a marbleized look ~ often equally beautiful, but totally different and worth noting. To figure out which technique was used to create a marbleized piece, look inside the piece. If it's the same as the outside, it's mixed earth. If it's different, it's been "decorated" on the exterior of the piece..
More Pichon pottery available on 1st Dibs...
Also? Allow me to introduce you to Agateware…
Agateware is another form of pottery, an 18th-century ware of varicolored clay, also with a marbleized effect. It was often referred to as solid agate to distinguish it from ware with surface marbling. A random mingling of colored clays created the veining appearance. Later, white clays were mixed and stained with metallic oxides enhancing the striated marbling effect.
When I searched 1st Dibs, which I often do to find examples of antiques I'm studying, I found these pieces of Agateware…
Um. These lamps are listed as Agateware?
TITLE:
French Neoclassical Agate Ware Lamps
PRICE:
$6,500
COUNTRY:
Italy
DATE OF MANUFACTURE:
Mid 20th Century
CONDITION:
Excellent, some minor chips and hairline cracks.
LENGTH:
11 in. (28 cm)
DEPTH:
9 in. (23 cm)
HEIGHT:
31 in. (79 cm)
DEALER LOCATION:
Stamford, CT
NUMBER OF ITEMS:
1
REFERENCE NUMBER:
U12111280301234
Dude. Check out that price! I just bought this piece last May in Louisville, KY for a fraction!
Take note of the stamp...
So I searched Meisselman Imports Italy, and these came up...
PAIR FAUX AGATE ITALIAN CERAMIC URNS. Pair of Italian ceramic Neoclassical lidded urns on square plinth bases, yellow brown and white swirled faux agate surface int he manner of 18th C. Wedgwood agate ware, white floral swags, handles and top finial. Marked: Meiselman Imports Italy P 621. Size: 19 1/2''H, 9 1/2''W at handle top, 11''W widest part, 6 3/4''Square base. Condition: age appropriate wear, drilled for lamps, some firing flaws.
Faux Agate! Funny!
Aptware… and Terre Melee, Pichon, and Agate… New things to search for when antiquing, shopping and traveling.
I hope you've enjoyed this educational post. I adore Aptware and equally despise the fact that it's almost impossible to find. Also? I am not in love with the corresponding price tag, however I have purchased a couple things and will share when they arrive.
I feel as though I've just completed a report for a middle school project.
Exhausted, once again, I pass the baton.