Boch Frères / Royal Boch Pottery Marks - The Ceramics Marks Guide

Royal Boch aka Boch Frères

The Boch Frères factory was established in 1841 by Jean-François Boch, one of the principal shareholders of Villeroy and Boch, in La Louvière, Belgium

History of Boch Frères

Boch Frères, founded in 1841 in La Louvière, Belgium, was one of the most influential ceramic manufacturers in Europe. Known for its innovative designs and high-quality faïence, the company played a key role in shaping Belgian ceramic artistry. Boch Frères gained international recognition for its Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, particularly under the direction of Charles Catteau in the early 20th century. Today, Boch Frères’ legacy continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts. Many of its works are preserved and celebrated at Keramis, the Centre for Ceramics, a museum dedicated to Belgian ceramic history. Though the company later evolved into Royal Boch, its historical impact on European ceramics remains significant. Boch Frères pieces are highly sought after for their craftsmanship and artistic value.

Map of Belgium with the location of Boch Frères in La Louvière

Boch Frères Marks

From 1870 to 1882

Simple printed mark in light brown or white, reading “Boch Frères, Keramis, La Louvière”.

1870 – 1882

From 1875 to 1900

A painted mark, either in black or the colour of the decor: an interwound “B” and “F” for “Boch Frères”, plus a “K” for “Keramis”.

1875 – 1900

From 1920 to 1930

This mark is not undisputed and not easily dated: the consensus is that it was used in the 1920s by the “Chambres des Peintres”, the House of Painters, showing an interlaces B, F and K. Additional to this mark, there will in most cases also be the initials of the painter.

1920s

Around 1920

Round mark, 1 to 2 cm diameter, with a branch of laurels underneath. This mark was printed in many different colours, sometimes including the pattern name.

1920 – 1959

From 1927 to around mid-1940s

This Keramis mark was patented on March 18th 1927 and mainly used by Charles Catteau and his atelier, producing Art Deco items. There are version with or without wolf on top of the word mark.

1927 – 1940s

1966

Used in 1966 for patterns like “Delta Noix” or “Rambouillet”.

1966

Since 1990 to today

Rebranding of the company to “Royal Boch”.

Since 1990