Baroque reimagined, ornaments unleashed

When asked about the “Recomposed Baroque” trend—one of the interpretations of the Past reveals Future theme at Maison&Objet January 2026—Salager responds with characteristic flair: "Flamboyant shapes, ornate motifs, exuberant colour palettes… In other words, breaking the mould. At Couleuvre, we embrace pronounced relief, endless curves, and sometimes even the unexpected fusion of materials like glass and porcelain—far from the strict lines of neoclassicism."

With roots reaching back to the 18th century and a name inspired by the coiling serpent, the Manufacture de Couleuvre has been weaving its own story of French savoir-vivre for generations. Nestled in the heart of the Allier region, the workshop is home to over 300,000 moulds and 6,500 unique models—a treasure trove of forms that now take on new life through contemporary reinterpretation. Since 2023, each piece, handmade and unapologetically singular, speaks a new language of porcelain—one that defies categorisation.

A feminist at heart, Sophie Salager delights in challenging boundaries and subverting the codes of an art form too often (and wrongly) seen as inherently feminine. Her collaborations often highlight male artisans—think of her creative dialogue with master bronzier Pierre Salagnac. And more partnerships are on the horizon… but for now, lips are sealed.

Diptyque, Christofle… a growing number of luxury houses are drawn to this thoughtful push toward modernity, engaging in creative exchanges with Couleuvre. Beyond the object, it’s a philosophy: stepping outside the box, creating a virtuous circle around materials, upcycling porcelain scraps to fuel artist residencies, and embracing cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing.
At its core, Baroque isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a mindset. A way of seeing the world without limits, always underpinned by a quiet obsession with excellence.