Meanings
- uncountableCeramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy, characterized by three-dimensional modelled animals, often aquatic creatures such as snakes, fish, lizards, frogs and snails, arranged on large platters.
Synonyms: rustic ware
- uncountableSynonym of majolicaFirst known use 19th c.
The name of majolica is now applied indiscriminately to all fancy articles of coloured pottery. When, however, it is decorated by means of coloured glazes, if these are transparent, it ought to be called Palissy ware, from the name of the great artist who used these for his beautiful works.
1876, G. Phillips Bevan, British manufacturing industries, page 42Synonyms: majolica
Synonyms & antonyms
nounCeramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy, characterized by three-dimensional modelled animals, often aquatic creatures such as snakes, fish, lizards, frogs and snails, arranged on large platters.
nounSynonym of majolica
Origin
Named after French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–1590), used by Mintons to describe their 19th century version of majolica inspired by Palissy.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
Palissy ware. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Palissy%20ware
“Palissy ware.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Palissy%20ware. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Palissy ware,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Palissy%20ware.
Source: Palissy ware on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.