Émaux de Longwy: The Art of Lorraine Cloisonné, Living Heritage Since 1798

In the fortified town of Longwy, at the far reaches of Lorraine, a unique savoir-faire has survived for over two centuries. The Émaux de Longwy, undisputed masters of cloisonné on faience, have been transforming earth and fire into ceramic jewels since 1798. Certified Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, this manufacture embodies French excellence in its purest form.

1798: Birth of a Ceramic Legend

Founded during the French Directory, the manufacture has traversed over two centuries without ever extinguishing its kilns. In the 1870s, engineer Amédée de Caranza adapted the cloisonné technique — inspired by Chinese and Japanese enamels — to Lorraine faience.

The Cloisonné Technique: 100 Hours of Patience

Each piece involves 7 specialized crafts and up to 100 hours of work. The process: shaping faience, placing copper cloisons by hand, filling cells with up to 50 shades of enamel, then 5-8 successive high-temperature firings.

Seven Crafts, One Masterpiece

• Moulder — shapes the faience
• Stamper — imprints relief patterns
• Cloisonneur — places copper strips by hand
• Enameller — fills cells with color
• Painter — finishing decorations
• Gilder — applies 24-carat gold
• Kiln Master — controls successive firings

“Each Longwy enamel is a unique piece, carried by seven pairs of expert hands. No machine can replicate this alchemy.”

EPV Label: Recognition of Excellence

The Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label distinguishes manufacturers with rare savoir-faire. Only 1,400 companies in France hold it.

Contemporary Collaborations & Collectors

Émaux de Longwy collaborates with contemporary designers and luxury houses. Historic Art Deco pieces (1920s-1930s) reach several thousand euros at auction.