Faience, or Fayence, soft-bodied, glazed pottery. The name is derived from Faenza, Italy, where the art of glazing soft ware was understood as early as 1299. Faience differs from porcelain chiefly in having a soft body and a thin glaze. Two firings are needed. The art was carried to France about 1578. Joseph Wedgewood of England set up a faience factory in 1763. Wedgewood wares are famous. The Rookwood wares are faience. The term may be applied to faience wares of all descriptions; but it is used more frequently to denote vases, cups, pitchers, and other receptacles. Faience implies decoration of a high order. Faience art has engaged the attention of noted artists.