Royal Copenhagen - Ceramics and Pottery Arts and Resources

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Danish pottery ceramic tradition

February 19, 2010

Hans og Birgitte Börjeson Fulby

Denmark has a rich tradition of producing fine ceramics and original pottery dating back several hundred years . The Royal Copenhagen porcelain factory was established in 1775 under the active patronage of the Danish Royal Court. Several of the first dinnerware patterns produced by the factory are still crafted and painted by hand, more than two centuries later. Tradition, craftmanship and innovation have been united in a blend of old and new to make Royal Copenhagen one of the world’s most successful producers of fine dinnerware and collectable art. Their Blue Fluted patterns are the epitome of fine porcelain and it has been given this name because the surface is fluted like a mussel shell. Since its introduction, the Blue Fluted pattern has been painted freehand by specially trained painters at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory. It takes over 1000 brush strokes to paint one Blue Fluted plate. Flora Danica is another famous line under this brand.

The island of Bornholm in Denmark, to this day is still a mecca for artists using all the artistic mediums. Søholm, the oldest ceramic factory on Bornholm was founded by Herman Sonne Wolffsen and Edvard Christian Sonne in 1835. Søholm stoneware design has become a big collector’s item for retro devotees. The factory closed in 1996. Much of the pottery of Denmark matches the modernistic flare of the furniture they are so well known for. Sleek lines, innovative use of materials, and streamlined design are typical of the wares created and reflect the Danish Modern style popularized in the 50s and 60s. Some other famous Danish design studios for pottery and creramics are Saxbo, Hjorth, Bing & Grondal, Nymolle and Palshus.