Méténier – French Art Deco flambé stoneware

An art stoneware factory in Gannat

Méténier ceramics come from a family workshop established in Gannat, Allier, founded by the ceramist Louis Méténier at the beginning of the 20th century. He set up stoneware production in an old tile factory, quickly transformed into a genuine artisanal factory.

His son, Gilbert Méténier, took over the business after 1917 and developed art stoneware production that would make the factory famous.

A characteristic production: flamed stoneware and "Gannat blue"

Méténier ceramics are particularly known for their flamed and iridescent glazes, obtained through mastered firing techniques.

These include:

• decorative vases
  
• pitchers and utilitarian objects
  
• zoomorphic or naturalistic forms
  
• pieces with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences
  

These works are distinguished by:

• dripping and reaction effects in the glaze
  
• metallic or iridescent reflections
  
• a dominant blue, sometimes called "Gannat blue"
  

This very vibrant rendering is one of the most recognizable visual signatures of Méténier production.

A relatively short but significant production

The production of Méténier stoneware mainly spans between 1917 and 1940, a period during which the workshop reached its peak.

After this period, activity gradually ceased, particularly in the context of World War II. It is often mentioned that the molds were destroyed, making any subsequent reproduction difficult or even impossible.

This currently increases collectors' interest in these pieces.

Signatures and identification of Méténier pieces

Méténier pieces are generally marked on the base, with several variations:

• "Méténier"
  
• "G. Méténier"
  
• sometimes simply an incised name
  
• occasional presence of a model number