Authentic
know-how Since 1818,
between tradition and modernity

The Clay Workshop

Clays, kaolins, felspath... are the various raw materials that will be used to make porcelain paste. Coming from 75% of French quarries and 25% from European quarries, dry materials are controlled, stored and transformed in our workshop, to obtain two types of paste used in the manufacture of our parts.

3 types of processing existing at PILLIVUYT:
- Calibration for the manufacture of so-called revolution parts
- Traditional or pressure casting for the manufacture of parts with so-called complex shapes.
- Pressing for the manufacture of more refined shapes in large series.

Our pieces undergo a meticulous initial firing at $980^\circ\text{C}$ for twenty hours. Known as the dégourdi or 'bisque' firing, this essential step hardens the clay, dehydrates the piece, and creates a perfectly porous surface—ensuring the glaze adheres flawlessly to form a diamond-hard finish.

To have a smooth and shiny appearance, each piece is dipped in an enamel bath. Enamelling by hand is a very elaborate technique that makes it possible to deposit as constant a thickness as possible on the surface of the piece.

The pieces then undergo a second firing, known as the Grand Feu, at at 1,400° C. for  twenty hours. This intense, high-heat process vitrifies the glaze and the porcelain body together, creating a non-porous surface that is as hygienic as it is enduring. The result is a glass-like fusion that offers unrivaled resistance to thermal shock and daily wear.

Every single piece of our production is meticulously checked by hand and selected according to our uncompromising quality standards. Our expert inspectors ensure that only the most flawless creations are worthy of the Pillivuyt signature, guaranteeing an unparalleled dining experience.

Stored in their 'blank' state, our porcelain pieces are either sold in their pure form or transformed within our Décor Atelier. Here, master artisans employ specialized techniques to elevate each creation, including delicate hand-painted filets, meticulous chromo decal application, and precise surface color spraying.

To permanently fix the decoration, the pieces undergo a final firing in our tunnel kilns. Depending on the design, this takes place either at a petit feu 900° C.,  or a grand feu 1230° C to perfectly fuse the colors to the glaze. Upon exiting the kiln, a final, rigorous inspection ensures that every piece meets the flawless Pillivuyt standard before being prepared for shipment.