Jean-Jacques Lachenal was the son of Edmond Lachenal, one of the leaders of the French art pottery revolution. Almost nothing is known of his early career. He is said to have begun making Iznik-style wares in the second decade of the 20th century and continued for many years. In 1911, he executed an interesting series of vases and plates painted by the designer Georges Feure. After serving in the armed forces during the war, he reopened the kilns at Chatillon after the armistice. He employed between 20 and 30 wounded soldiers, and exhibited and sold with success in Paris. In time, he began to place emphasis on the Cubist-inspired ornament of the new era.
