Founded in 1766 by the Boch brothers, the Septfontaines manufactory produced a new type of ceramic ware called semi-porcelain, or fine earthenware, which imitates porcelain but is much less expensive. The manufactory employed a large workforce at a single production site: by 1775, there were roughly one hundred workers at Septfontaines. Taking advantage of the mercantilist policies of the time, the Boch brothers succeeded in exporting their products far and wide and emerged as the most significant producers of fine earthenware in the southern regions of the Austrian Netherlands, which Luxembourg belonged to at the time.

This terrine is typical for the early days of fine earthenware production at Septfontaines. The main feature of its monochrome blue décor is the clover leaf at the centre of the pattern. The use of cobalt blue is reminiscent of Chinese porcelain or of European-made items imitating it.

The clover and twig décor was one of the Boch factory’s most popular motifs, and it contributed significantly to the company’s commercial success.

Text | CC BY-NC | Régis Moes