The little hamlet of Sarreguemines has an interesting background—both historically and as a center of fine porcelain and art pottery production.
A one time Roman stronghold, Sarreguemines lies at a strategic point on the River Saar. This made it an important location for controlling commerce on the river as well as an ideal place from which to distribute locally-manufactured goods. In time, Sarreguemines was incorporated into a larger, united France—and became one of the highlights of the Lorraine Region.
In 1871, after the Franco-Prussian War, Sarrequemines was signed-over to the victorious Germans. For nearly fifty years (1871 – 1918), it was part of the German Alsace-Lorraine region—and became a center for the production of many luxury goods: leatherworks, plush velvets, stoneware, and fine porcelains. It was during this period that the pair of hand-decorated ceramic vases (pictured above) were produced.
Sarreguemines was won-back by the French after World War I. During World War II, Germany made a strong push to recapture the region though, ultimately, they did not prevail.
The vases above exemplify the quality of the region’s luxury goods production. And the design aesthetics illustrate the West’s fascination with Asian (and Middle Eastern) design at that period—a phenomenon known as “Orientalism.”
Please come into the shop to see these beautiful pieces or click on the photo above to learn more about them.