For centuries, Louis XIII has been the ultimate expression of French art de vivre, a cognac that embodies time, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship. Now, the venerable Maison is extending its legacy beyond the decanter, transforming the essence of its origins into a breathtaking, limited-edition porcelain tableware collection: Art de la Table.
This debut collection, created in collaboration with the esteemed Limoges porcelain house J.L Coquet, is a profound and literal homage to the brand’s birthplace, the chalky Grande Champagne region. The collection features two six-piece ensembles, each telling a vital part of the Louis XIII story.
Collection 1: “Soil is Our Soul”
The most groundbreaking of the two, the “Soil is our Soul” collection, is a triumph of technical innovation and deep symbolism.
- A Taste of Terroir: The porcelain itself bears a unique, subtle roughness. This texture is achieved by 3D-scanning the actual chalky soil from the Domaine du Grollet—the birthplace of Louis XIII’s eaux-de-vie—and translating that exact tactile feeling onto the porcelain. Artisans then hand-brush away the glaze on the outer surface, revealing the raw, textured finish that connects the diner directly to the earth.
- The Mark of the Barrel: On the reverse of each piece, a delicate three-hoop design is laser-engraved, a subtle nod to the chestnut wood hoops of the tierçons (the ancient casks) that cradle the aging spirit for decades.
Collection 2: “Light of Time”
Where “Soil is our Soul” speaks to the earth, the “Light of Time” collection captures the invisible alchemy of the aging process in the dark cellars.
- Illuminating the Eaux-de-vie: This collection features delicate carved facets in the porcelain that allow light to filter through, playing with shadow and brilliance. This effect mirrors how light reveals the luminous, amber hue of Louis XIII cognac when poured into its iconic crystal decanter.
- A Copper Kiss: Each piece is finished with an intricate, hand-painted copper lining, a graceful tribute to the copper stills essential for the distillation of the precious eaux-de-vie.
A Choreography of Artisanship
This venture into fine tableware is a reflection of Louis XIII’s commitment to rarity and excellence. Crafted by 40 master artisans at J.L Coquet in Limoges, each piece requires an intensive three-to-four-week production cycle. The collaboration required mastering nearly a dozen new techniques to bring this ambitious vision to life.
In keeping with the brand’s philosophy, the Art de la Table collections are exceptionally rare. Only 750 individually numbered sets of each collection will be released worldwide—a symbolic tribute to the capacity of a single tierçon barrel.
The Louis XIII Art de la Table collection is more than just dinnerware; it is a legacy extended. It’s an invitation to transform the simple act of dining into a sacred ritual, connecting every course to the history, the earth, and the enduring luxury of one of the world’s most treasured spirits. To dine from these pieces is to hold the soul of France in your hands.
