BEAUVAIS was celebrated for the manufacture of decorative pottery in the 14th century, and descriptions of cups of the _terre de Beauvais_ frequently occur in early inventories. Several specimens of it are still in existence; they are of red, green, or blue glaze, with gothic inscriptions and arms of various provinces of France in relief. APT. The fabrication of fayence is said to have commenced here about the middle of the 18th century, principally in imitation of jasper and brocatelle marble. The manufactory of M. Bonnet was established about 1780, and marbled ware and vases of a yellow colour were produced. [Illustration: FIG. 55.--VASE.] Fig. 55 is a yellow vase with masks and vine leaves. BLOIS. A manufactory of fayence was in existence here throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. It was similar to that of Nevers and Rouen. Some specimens are signed Lebarquet. [Illustration: FIG. 56.--CANDLESTICK.] AVIGNON. A manufactory of pottery flourished here from about 1650 to 1780, but there were also potteries early in the 16th century. The pottery is of a chocolate brown, with a fine metalloid glaze like bronze or tortoiseshell. The ewers and bottles are of elegant forms, resembling those of Italy, sometimes perforated and ornamented with masks and flowers in relief, or painted yellow. [Illustration: FIG. 57.--EWER. _About 1600._] BERNARD PALISSY, born 1510, succeeded, after many years of diligent research, in discovering the enamel which decorates his ware. His earthenware, as well as his style of decoration and his beautiful modelling, were quite original. The natural objects represented upon his ware are true in form and colour, being mostly modelled from nature; the shells are copied from tertiary fossils found in the Paris basin; the fish are those of the Seine, and the reptiles and plants such as he found in the environs of Paris. [Illustration: FIG. 58.--DISH. _16th Century._] NEVERS. The earliest evidence of the making of fayence at Nevers is the foundation of a _fabrique_ by Dominique Conrade, in the latter half of the 16th century, which was carried on by his son and grandson. In 1652, Pierre Custode established another _fabrique_, which was equally successful, and seven generations of his family were employed in it. Other manufactories were started in the 18th century.