Small scale replica of the traditional Breton shoe worn by country folk. Featured Breton man or woman.
Little wooden shoes, or sabots, as they are called in French, are worn by peasants all over Europe (not just the Dutch!).So we have often had to correct the misconception about Quimper ware being from Holland (or even Pennsylvania Dutch!) The Breton folk, both men and women, show up on plates and other pieces, wearing them as part of their traditional everyday attire.
However, there is also a fascinating back story connected with these shoes: the word, which has become part of the English language, comes from the French word, and refers to the Industrial Revolution, when French workers, in their fear and anger at new machinery and methods of production, threw their wooden shoes into the machines to disable them: hence: sabotage! These tiny versions have been produced for a long time, and were actually used as open salts on the table.
Our Quimper Faience collection is imported directly from the Henriot Quimper in Quimper, France. Founded in 1685, Henriot Quimper is know the world over for its know-how of the “Quimper Paint Touch” and the tradition of producing and hand-painting every piece of faience in-house. Henriot Quimper continues the tradition producing the traditional patterns featuring the Breton figures as well as many new more modern designs. The superbly talented resident artists at Henriot still hand-craft every piece of Quimper Pottery. Each piece of Quimper faience is completely handmade and painstakingly hand-painted. Each piece of Quimper is unique. One artist hand paints each piece from start to finish then signs the piece and marks it “Henriot” to ensure its authenticity.
3.25 inches
Colors may vary. Colors in photograph are close but may not represent true colors. All Quimper faience pieces are fully hand painted. Each piece is therefore unique.
IN STOCK:
MEN - 2
WOMEN - 2
For additional quantities, PREORDER FROM FRANCE.
Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.
In stock items will ship immediately from our shop in the US.
