Pierre Clérissy

French potter

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June 24, 2026

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Pierre Clérissy was a French potter who established an important faience factory in Moustiers in 1679. Faience is a type of tin-glazed earthenware. The Clérissy factory was active until the late 18th century and produced distinctive blue and white wares that were widely copied.12

Early Clérissy faience (1680–1710) featured decorations inspired by the engravings of Antonio Tempesta. Later, from 1710–1740, the factory's designs were influenced by Jean Bérain the Elder, characterized by delicate, fanciful patterns incorporating arabesques, architectural motifs, and floral elements. This style, known as the Bérain style, is particularly famous for Moustiers faience.1

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pottery
Faience, or tin-glazed ware
…the Basses-Alpes was founded by Pierre Clérissy in 1679. During the early period frequent use was made of the engravings of Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630) as well as biblical scenes. Later came a series of dishes decorated with designs after Jean I Bérain (1637–1711), whose work greatly influenced French decorative art…
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…the Basses-Alpes was founded by Pierre Clérissy in 1679. During the early period frequent use was made of the engravings of Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630) as well as biblical scenes. Later came a series of dishes decorated with designs after Jean I Bérain (1637–1711), whose work greatly influenced French decorative art…
Read More