Two household earthenware pots from Wasmuel, Hainaut, Belgium, signed M. W. on the underside, one for vermicelli, the other for flour. The model number 270 is inscribed on the bottom of both pots.
The Wasmuël earthenware factory was founded in 1834 under the direction of Isidore Paulus, former director of the Onnaing factory. In 1901, three new kilns, two of which were beehive-shaped, were built. In 1902, the company's articles of association were amended, and the earthenware factory became a Public Limited Company. The factory was named Société Anonyme de Wasmuël. In 1907, Eugène Meyer died, and his son Henry took over the factory at the age of 22. As director of the earthenware factory for over forty years, Henry Meyer saw the end of Art Nouveau and majolicas, the Art Deco period, and the style of the thirties. The era of monumental ceramics and large decorative pieces ended with the 1914-1918 war. Hand-painted decoration, which coexisted with printing, was gradually overtaken by "vapo" and decals. After the war, fashion changed, production became much more commonplace, and focused on everyday pieces. The most original or successful pieces from this period are the Art Deco vase sets and the crackled animals popular in the thirties. The earthenware factory was then liquidated, and demolition began in 1952 (source: https://www.barbotine-belge.com/site/fr/histoire.php).
These lovely decorative and/or useful pots are in good general condition (note: 1 small chip on the lid of the vermicelli pot).
Dimensions: height without lid 15.5 cm, with lid 19 cm, width 10 cm, depth 7.5 cm, weight 565 g X2.
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