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Théodore Deck

1823 – 1891

Ceramic artist

Ceramicist AdministratorEntrepreneur
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About Théodore Deck

Lived 1823 – 1891 (aged 68). Théodore Deck was a French ceramicist, administrator and entrepreneur.

Joseph-Théodore Deck (2 January 1823 – 15 May 1891) was a 19th-century French potter, an important figure in late 19th-century art pottery. Born in Guebwiller, Haut-Rhin, he began learning the trade in his early 20s, moving to Paris at age 24. In 1856 he established his own faience (earthenware) workshop, Joseph-Théodore Deck Ceramique Française, and began to experiment with styles from Islamic pottery, and in particular the Iznik style.

When Japonisme arrived in the 1870s he embraced this and other art pottery trends with enthusiasm, finally conquering the French establishment when he was made art director of Sèvres porcelain in 1887. Several important figures from the next generation were trained by Deck, including Edmond Lachenal.

In the 1880s he also worked in the Chinese pottery tradition, also collaborating with Raphaël Collin, and other artists of the time. He died in Paris. In 1887 he published a treatise under the title La Faïence, which is available in facsimile online.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Positions held
Administrator
Employers
Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, Hugelin family
Awards
Officer of the Legion of Honour
Also known as
Joseph Théodore Deck, Joseph-Théodore Deck, Theodore Deck, Joseph Theodore Deck, Joseph-Theodore Deck

People in Théodore Deck's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Théodore Deck's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Théodore Deck?

ceramic artist (1823–1891)

When was Théodore Deck born?

Théodore Deck was born on 2 January 1823 in Guebwiller.

When did Théodore Deck die?

Théodore Deck died on 15 May 1891 in Paris.

What was Théodore Deck's occupation?

Théodore Deck was a ceramicist, administrator and entrepreneur.

What nationality was Théodore Deck?

Théodore Deck was French.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Théodore Deck

· Wikidata: Q937373

· DBpedia: Théodore Deck

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Théodore Deck. https://biography.guide/theodore-deck/

MLA: "Théodore Deck." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/theodore-deck/.

Chicago: "Théodore Deck." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/theodore-deck/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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