Posts from the ‘European Makers’ Category

May 11

Villeroy & Boch Cadiz

Villeroy & Boch “Cadiz” was produced by the Luxembourg Faiencerie c1970 until end of 1984. It is a beautifully decorative design in blue and yellow on a white ground reminiscent of Spanish and Portuguese ceramic tiles (Azulejos)

The elegant and streamlined forms are from the “Milan” series of shapes designed by Ludwig Scherer – The shapes used with several other popular Villeroy Boch designs in this era – such as Acapulco, Izmir & Granada amongst others.

The very attractive repeat pattern in blues and yellow on white is of course another by Christiane Reuter. Christiane joined Villeroy Boch in the 1960s as their chief designer and continued there for decades – but I have been unable find out much about her work, including a comprehensive list of her designs. ( I did have a German text document about her work, sent to me by a reader of this site many years ago, but frustratingly cant now locate it)

Apr 21

Hutschenreuther, Germany Hartkeramik Dinnerware

Hutschenreuther Hartkeramik Dinnerware

This very seventies looking design is from German maker Hutschenreuther.

The pieces in this dinner set are a high fired stoneware. The glaze is a glossy orange glaze on a brown clay. Where thinner the glaze allows the brown clay body to show through (e.g. the ridges and corners), but also on the outside of each piece often the orange glaze has brown undertones on smaller pieces. The glaze also has a lovely subtle orange peel type texture in parts.

It was part of the “Hartkeramik” series from Hutschenreuther head designer Renée Neue in the 1970s. Neue is well known for his use of bright bold colours, striking vases, and the bold dinnerware designs for the company during this period.

The forms in this series bear some stylistic similarity to the well known Thomas Germany, “Scandic Shadow” series of tableware designs by Scandinavian ceramic designer Hertha Bengtson, and is typical of the design from this era.

Teapot from Hutschenreuther, Germany: Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series

Tea Cup/Saucer from Hutschenreuther, Germany. Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series.

Lidded Casserole from Hutschenreuther, Germany. Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series.

Soup Cup, Hutschenreuther, Germany. Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series

Hutschenreuther, Germany. Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series.

Milk Jug and Sugar Bowl, Hutschenreuther, Germany. Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series.

The backstamp on this series features the Hutschenreuther Lion logo and the Hartkeramik stamp.

Backstamp on Hutschenreuther, Germany – Hartkeramik Dinnerware Series.

Below, one of the bolder colour combinations on dinnerware from the same period by Renée Neue for Hutschenreuther which he is probably better known for, than for the use of a single colour on his ceramic designs.

May 27

Rorstrand Sweden, "Party" - Marianne Westman - photos Ray Garrod

Rorstrand “Party” – Marianne Westman

Rorstrand “Party” – a design by Marianne Westman for Rorstrand Sweden, c1950s.

This is just so beautiful! I love the muted colour scheme of soft grey and a mustard yellow on this design of stylised abstracted tulips. The attention to detail is lovely too – with the hand painted tiny black stems at the base of each flower. It is a design I had never seen before until very recently.

It probably dates to the mid 1950’s, although I haven’t been able to find any verified information about the design. The design is on the same forms as “Mon Amie” and many other Westman designs of this period. Large generous cups are a feature of this series of forms too. A joy to look at.