The term Quimper is referred to a port in and the capital of Finistère, in North West France. Quimper is noted for pottery manufacture and has been a pottery town since the days when it was part of the Roman Empire. Today the name Quimper is almost synonymous with its pottery. The period from 1872 to 1930 is considered to be the artistic apex for a Quimper pottery collector. Mostly, pieces made prior to 1840 were utilitarian in nature.  Pieces made prior to World War II are categorized as vintage or "antique" Quimper by today's antique collectors. Pieces made after World War II fall into the collectibles category. With a few exceptions, Quimper pottery pieces were completely decorated by hand, giving each piece unique characteristics.