Precious Porcelain

Since its foundation in 1740, the Manufacture de Sèvres has produced ceramic sculptures and objets d’art that are coveted throughout the world. Endowed with royal privileges since the time of Louis XV, Sèvres became famous not only for top-quality materials and a high level of technical expertise, but also for its taste for modern design. If François Boucher was among its first invited artist/designers, today’s roster includes such names as Ettore Sottsass and Jeff Koons. In 2008 the Manufacture, in partnership with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, unveiled its first jewelry collection. Designed by Annabelle d’Huart, an artist known for her sculpture, installations and photography, Choses de Flot et de Mer includes 250 bijoux-sculptures—necklaces, earrings, brooches-inspired by the sea. Smooth porcelain forms evoking seashells, starfish and sand dollars are linked with handmade gold chains or with highly textured silk, linen and hemp cords enhanced with nautical knots. The collection is priced from €800 to €11,000. Manufacture de Sèvres gallery, 4 pl André Malraux, Paris 1st; Musée des Arts Décoratifs boutique, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st.

Originally published in the November 2008 issue of France Today.