The Gien "Poesie" is a decorative faience collection designed by Belgian illustrator Isabelle Barthel, featuring a vibrant floral pattern inspired by nature's constant renewal and abundant blossoms. The design uses vivid orange, pink, and blue hues, creating a joyful and harmonious aesthetic across a wide range of tableware and home decor items, such as plates, mugs, and vases.
SIAK played a pivotal role in transforming the designer's vision into reality. Using inglaze ceramic decal technology, SIAK ensured that the designs were not only vibrant and detailed but also durable and resistant to wear. The inglaze process allowed the decals to fuse seamlessly with the ceramic surface during firing, resulting in a flawless finish that enhances the collection's beauty.
The Gien tableware factory was founded in 1821 by Thomas Hall, an Englishman who aimed to introduce fine English earthenware techniques to France. Located in the Loire Valley, the factory quickly gained a reputation for producing faïence, a type of glazed earthenware known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Over the years, Gien became renowned for its hand-painted patterns inspired by French art and history, including motifs drawn from castles, châteaux, and the French countryside. Today, Gien remains a symbol of French craftsmanship, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to create timeless tableware beloved by collectors and households alike.