Astier de Villatte - a Slice of France

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Helen Reid

8 months ago


Astier de Villatte was another store that I was determined to visit during my trip to South Korea. Established in 1996, Astier de Villatte is an artisanal ceramic workshop in Paris. This French lifestyle brand has become immensely popular in the past few years. This 5-story store promises a genuine French experience in the heart of Seoul. It is located in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Astier de Villatte's trendy dinnerware and maison items are uniquely French. 



The building is tucked away from main roads and traffic, but it wasn't too difficult to locate it using navigation. The store has valet parking behind the building. 



I own the Paris vase from the brand, and it is indeed my favorite for showcasing large and full flower arrangements. The ultra-lightweight ceramic vase serves as a plain canvas for any flower arrangement. 



Astier de Villatte also has more ornate vases. They are beautiful and double as decorative objects; however, depending on the illustrations and color schemes on the vase, the types of flowers on the arrangement may be limited.



You can find simpler, plain-white vases, too, of course. 



The store was literally heaven for those who love French ceramics, home decor, and tableware! Each floor is stacked with rows of beautiful and delicate pieces that are worth collecting. 



The store's display stands, racks, light fixtures, and furniture are all imported from France for authenticity. 



The antiqued cabinets, display racks, and even the cabinet hardware are all imported from France, and stepping into the store makes you feel like you are in France! 



I was told rails, doorknobs, and even balusters are from Paris. 



By the staircase, you can find the floor directory written in French. 



Every corner of the store was filled with rare Astier de Villatte pieces. It has so many more than just dinnerware and incense sticks, which Astier de Villatte is most well-known for. It has numerous decorative objects, French textiles, scented candles, light fixtures, and wall coverings. 



Each floor is so tastefully decorated and full of character that it is worth visiting. 



A comfy armchair and a side table with an Astier de Villatte vase are tastefully placed on a staircase landing. 



And a wall of dishes! 



I'm confident this Astier de Villatte location has one of the largest John Derian x Astier de Villatte dish selections. John Derian Company teamed up with Astier de Villatte in 2011 and added his iconic imagery to Astier de Villatte's plain white dinnerware. The bat platter on the right corner was magnificent! 



Astier de Villatte's white ceramic is the perfect backdrop to highlight John Derian's highly detailed prints. And I spent a long time browsing these beautiful pieces. 



The collection of glass trays works as a mural, and it is such a brilliant and artistic way of displaying artwork. 



You can purchase these trays separately or as a set. There are single trays with full paintings, so you won't have to purchase the whole set. The groups of trays are best as murals, and if you intend to use these trays as decorative trays on a table or a console, single trays are probably better. 



And the unmistakenly French chandeliers add finishing touches to the space. 



They are old but meticulously maintained. 



They are quite pricey, haha - ranging from €4,114.00 to €5,330.00. 



These pendants made of Astier de Villatte dishes were so unique. They were for sale, but I admit they were more underwhelming than the other chandeliers. And I could probably DIY one of them, perhaps? 



The 4th floor is the gallery, where you can find various framed art and books. 



A lot of these books would make great coffee table books or gifts. 



Astier de Villatte hosts various exhibitions, as well. 



But most people were shopping for the drinkware. 



Astier de Villatte is well-known for its unique mugs with ring handles. The rings come in all kinds of shapes and designs, and I've seen people collecting these mugs. I thought about buying one; however, I decided not to because I wasn't sure how I was going to pack it. Astier de Villatte items are notoriously delicate and fragile, so I don't suggest packing them in checked luggage. 



What an amazing store! It is definitely a store worth visiting if you're in Seoul, South Korea. And be prepare to spend a good chunk of time here if you're into French ceramics because it is filled with one-of-a-kind, amazing pieces. 

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