Distilling the aesthetics of the French countryside is deceptively challenging.
![Astier de Villatte Tableware Collection](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_hero-819x1024.jpg)
The look is austere but not stuffy, humble but not ordinary, antique and yet completely modern.
Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli accept this challenge with relish – a Parisian legacy of artisanal, handmade ceramics apparent within every piece they make.
![Alexandre Plate Set](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_01-823x1024.jpg)
![Astier de Villatte Tableware Collection](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_02-823x1024.jpg)
Cast against this simple backdrop, Alexandre’s presence invites an intimacy to the table.
![Alexandre Mug Set](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_03.jpg)
![Astier de Villatte Tableware Collection](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_04.jpg)
![Alexandre Cups and Plates](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_05-828x1024.jpg)
The core motif of their Alexandre collection: a cherubic face rising from Astier de Villatte’s signature milky glaze. Modeled after an aged imprint found in Benoît’s father’s attic, the visage is soft and enigmatic.
![Alexandre Fruit Dish](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_06-828x1024.jpg)
Though each style maintains an individual character, the unifying white palette allows for imagination in designing the table. A pair of Aurélie plates, Marguerite bowls and an Alexandre platter – the perfect setting for two.
![Astier de Villatte Tableware Collection](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_Astier-Alexander_07-818x1024.jpg)
His inherent classicism brings to mind French spreads of yore – tumbling apples, fresh bread and mint gracing a hand-hewn wooden surface.
This presentation is not without whimsy – perhaps there is a splash of génépi in one of his tea cups or a scoop of lime sorbet in his simple fruit bowl.