Saintonge Ware

Major pottery industry in the region of Saintes in western France from the 13th century until recent times. The best-known of these wares are the tall jugs with polychrome glazed decoration which appear to have been traded with western French wine to the English. The jugs exported were only one of the variety of wares made at centers like La Chapelle des Pots, where kilns and workshops have been excavated. Saintonge was originally the territory inhabited by the Santones, a Gallic tribe.

A major pottery industry existed in the region of Saintes in western France from the 13th century until recent times. The best-known of these wares are the tall jugs with polychrome glazed decoration which appear to have been traded with western French wine to the English from about 1300. These polychrome jugs frequently occur in English urban contexts, and are also known from excavations as far north as Denmark. The jugs exported were only one of the variety of wares made at centres like La Chapelle des Pots, where kilns and workshops have been excavated.