A Name with a History:
Located in the heart of central France, Pillivuyt Porcelain (say “Pilly-vwheat”) continues its long tradition of excellence. Pillivuyt has been making beautiful quality porcelain since 1818. Today, Pillivuyt’s traditional and contemporary designs are made with the same meticulous finish, pureness and multi-functional qualities that have made Pillivuyt the favorite of great cooks all over the world.
Charles Pillivuyt of Switzerland founded the company in 1816 in the Berry region in the center of France. The Berry region is located 200km south of Paris in one of two areas renowned for producing French porcelain (Limoges and le Berry). This part of the country is well known for Sancerre wine, beautiful housing, and the imposing cathedral in the center of Bourges.
Initially, Pillivuyt produced fine, heavily adorned dinnerware for famous customers such as the Royal Courts of Holland and Egypt. However, in 1880, with the development of cafes and restaurants, the company started to focus on the catering market to become one of the most important producers in France and the European leader in cookware. In 1918, as lifestyles began to change, Pillivuyt took a bold new step and formulated the tough, elegant oven to table porcelain that we know today.
Today, Pillivuyt is an employee/manager-owned company focused on maintaining the traditions of the Pillivuyt family and the production standards of the past 185 years.
A Company with Experience:
Pillivuyt employs some 350 people and produces 3,000 tons of porcelain each year. This is 7 million pieces of cookware and tableware. Forty-five percent of production is exported.
Pillivuyt is equipped with the most advanced technology and remains one of the only manufacturers with its own unique formula for the creation of its porcelain base compound.
What makes Pillivuyt so unique?
The composition and the process: 1.) The secret raw material recipe. 2.) The special firing methods used to fuse the raw materials with the glaze.
Raw materials: The ingredients themselves are not entirely secret, but the proportions are. This special and well-guarded formula gives Pillivuyt its durable thermal and shock resistant properties.
Method: After molding to the beautiful and functional shapes, each piece is fired to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and emerges as a very porous material. Pieces are then hand-trimmed to give Pillivuyt the well–defined detail that sets it apart from all others. It is then dipped in the glazing material, which is absorbed into the clay. In the second stage of production, the material is fired in the kilns to 2550 degrees Fahrenheit resulting in a surface of near diamond hardness.
The Result: Because the glaze is incorporated into the piece rather than applied over the top, there is no fear of cracking, crazing, or discoloration. Pillivuyt can be safely used in convection or microwave ovens. The diamond hard surface is microscopically non-porous, practically non-stick, and impervious to food stains. Pillivuyt is the perfect bakeware! Pillivuyt will stand up to dishwashing operations and strong detergents without losing its luster.
The classic designs and many new contemporary shapes of Pillivuyt porcelain make a beautiful presentation to even the most discriminating guest. On all points – finish, pureness, design and functional qualities – Pillivuyt elevates the “Art de la Table” and “Art Culinaire” to new heights.
Pillivuyt is more than just porcelain: It is a classic concept in culinary presentation. It blends well with any china pattern. Pillivuyt’s versatility and variety of shapes can be utilized in many ways. Cooks can exercise some imagination to create dishes, not just serve them on a simple plate. It is easy to see why cooks around the world have grown to love, depend upon, and be inspired by Pillivuyt.
A Wide Range of Quality Items:
The range offers an unequaled assortment of 1500 items with an exceptional selection of shapes and sizes. Pillivuyt is constantly seeking to develop new items and patterns in conjunction with professionals to match their creative genius. At Pillivuyt, craftsmen and improved technology go hand-in-hand to create the best culinary porcelain available today.
