Refers to popular utilitarian 18th-century earthenware that has inscriptions as part of the decoration, the name from the French for "talking faience." Much of this ware was produced at Nevers, France, and the items are principally plates, jugs, and bowls. The inscriptions include the names of the owner, coats of arms, Masonic symbols, references to poetry, songs, or proverbs, commemorations of birthdays or anniversaries, or other themes.
