A set of miniature pottery tin-glazed sabots (French term for Dutch shoes) with Breton man and woman; made by Henriot Quimper, France.

These shoes are produced in a factory near Quimper in Brittany, France. Since 1708, Quimper faience has been hand painted and production continues to this day The “Faienceries de Quimper were established in “Locmaria”, the historical faience quarter of the city of Quimper, near the center of the town.

The pottery’s design reflects a strong traditional Breton influence. One of the most famous designs which is now typical of Quimper faience is the “petit breton”, a native representation of Breton men and women in traditional garb. This style became popular around 1870.

Each shoe is 2.5″ long and 1.25″ tall and has a small hole in the side so they could be strung together on a cord. These are small enough to have been used as a pair of salts. There are no chips, cracks or crazing.

HENRIOT QUIMPER FRANCE 89 is marked on the shank of the shoe with the male figure; HENRIOT QUIMPER FRANCE 95 is marked on the shank with the woman. Purchased December, 2007. Purchase price for pair: $38.00 at auction.Estimated date of manufacture, 1930s.Estimated collectors’ price: $90.00/pair. (They are not a matched set.)

Information from Porcelain and Pottery Shoes by Anne Everset Wojtkowski, published by Schiffer Book for Collectors, Schiffer Books, Ltd. Atglen, PA. 2004 and a 2008 article in Wikipedia, Quimper Faience.