I too would share Wallis' glee at visiting the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich. Wallis had a thing for porcelain (amongst, um, other things), and so do I. Why is porcelain perceived to be something old, fussy, and outdated?
I find it depressing that many of today's brides forgo the fine china and sterling flatware for something low maintenance. Well, whoever said life is easy? Isn't it nice to have special, exquisite things for which to care? And don't you behave a little differently, perhaps in a more civilized manner, when you're dining from formal china? It's the same thing in terms of your wardrobe. I find myself slouching when I'm dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, but when I make an effort and wear a dress or suit, I tend to stand more erect and mind my manners too!
One porcelain manufacturer that is attempting to keep porcelain relevant for today's society is Nymphenburg. With a history that dates back to the mid-18th century, Nymphenburg honors its past by manufacturing historical pieces that have been part of its collection for over two hundred years- perfect for those traditionalists. But they also are embracing modern design by engaging artists like Ted Muehling and Hella Jongerius to design more contemporary pieces. It's really the best of both worlds.
Lest you think that some of Nymphenburg's porcelain figures and accessories are too traditional, perhaps it's time to rethink them. I believe it's all about the environment in which you display the porcelain. I like the incongruous look of a very traditional piece of porcelain in a starkly modern room. And if you need further evidence, look to design guru Murray Moss. He displays all kinds of Nymphenburg porcelain amongst the more cutting edge wares at his eponymous Manhattan shop. Moss, and Nymphenburg, are making porcelain cool again.
Bavarian Lion paper weight, based on a design by Johann Peter Melchior, c. 1800.
Chinese group with vase, ivory glazed, design by Konrad Linck around 1770.
Egg vase in glazed coral red by Ted Muehling, 2000
The "Atlas" pattern is inspired by ikat weaving. Would it surprise you to learn that the pattern on this china was designed in the late 18th century?
Butterfly collection, plate sky; by Ted Muehling, 2000
Nymphenburg Sketches, Game series; Hella Jongerius, 2006
I'm now coveting Mare Nostrum fish service. The rococo shape was taken from Nymphenburg's Cumberland service of 1760, but the variation with the fish motif was added in 1928.
Bonbonniere Eye container, 2009
Hare in Cabbage, Luise Terletzki-Scherf, 1960. Not for everbody, but this figure made me smile.
Image at top: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, accompanied by Princess Hella of Bavaria, visited Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg in 1954. All images from the Nymphenburg website.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Nymphenburg to the Rescue
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Have to love that "Atlas" :)
ReplyDeleteC- I def. thought of you when I saw that china!
ReplyDeleteI love fine China.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, You have done it again! Just when I am longing for fine china, sterling and linen napkins to be a must-have for dining. Beautiful table items--china, silver, flowers, linens make us all slow down a bit to enjoy meals and the details of rooms just a little bit more intimately. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmen to having good china! Sure, mine has been in my parents' basement for six years, and I've never actually seen it, but one day when I have a little bit of room to store it, and it doesn't have to travel 50 miles to my apartment, I will definitely use it every chance I get!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post- Adore Ted Muehling the Nymphenburg Sketches are breathtaking. PGT
ReplyDeleteI love porcelain, too. I have things from my mother, mother-in-law, great aunts. I think there is spirit in objects people have used and loved and passed on to be loved again. Setting a table with china of remembrance makes a meal sacred to me. Thank you for the lovely images and your zeal of approval.
ReplyDeleteI love it when you write like this, probably because I am in total agreement!! 'Atlas' looks so modern - I would think it is a recent design... you know it.. great design is timeless. I so enjoy your blog, Christy
ReplyDeleteYoli and AnaStella- Nice to meet fellow fine china enthusiasts! It makes me feel better to know that there are others who want to keep the tradition going!
ReplyDeleteAugury- I tend to go for the more traditional patterns, but I am taken with the Sketches pattern. So interesting and so unique! Glad you like it too :)
ReplyDeleteHome- Really well said. It's very special to be able to use pieces that have been handed down and that have been part of family traditions. Sometimes I wonder if much of the "stuff" that is being bought today will actually get passed down to future generations.
ReplyDeleteChristy- So true! I was surprised when I saw "Atlas" was designed over two hundred years ago! Ikat and fine porcelain are timeless!
ReplyDeleteThose Muehling egg vases are amazing. Not that I need more things to want, but they are terrific.
ReplyDeleteMary- I almost forgot to post your great comment! Some people say life's too short to polish silver, but I say life is too short not to enjoy gracious living!!
ReplyDeletePatricia- That egg vase would look mighty smart in the Blandings' home!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your Nymphenburg post and I see I'm not alone! Atlas is wonderful and the bonbonniere eye was a nice surprize. The sweet little hare is right on time for Easter! Thank you for the sumptuous link to the manufacturer. This confirms my vacation plans -- in a couple of weeks I won't be far from Limoges and I will take a guided tour of Bernardaud!
ReplyDeleteLe Style- I'm jealous!! I'm sure your trip- and the Bernardaud tour- will be amazing! Let us know what it was like once you return!!
ReplyDeletewhat an unreal post !
ReplyDeletethank you.
i love it !
I love the modern pieces especially- the egg vase is such a great color-- and the eye container is a terrific example of surrealism. A great post.
ReplyDeleteThis is off topic, but has anyone seen an image of a bright pink studded door recently? I saw it on a design blog, then lost it. Searching madly for it......
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee!!
ReplyDeleteNadine- I adore that eye box. I think it's so clever, and I love anything surrealist. Glad you like it too!
ReplyDeleteMary Ann- I can't remember seeing that. I've seen a bright red studded door- the one that Suzanne Rheinstein did that was featured in Domino. Do you think that was it?
ReplyDeleteThat could be it. The color may have just been off on my screen. Was it on a blog recently? I will google her name and look for it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWas it this pink studded door:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=my#search/small%20spaces/0
Sorry, that link was from my reader. Try this one:
ReplyDeletehttp://alkemie.blogspot.com/2009/04/small-spaces-small-homes-living-in.html
I found the picture of the Suzanne Rheinstein red door that you mentioned. Not what I am trying to locate. The door I saw had an all over pattern of metal studs and was very dramatic. I continue to check through the design blogs - it may have been a reference link that I followed. Oh, to be able to retrace my steps!
ReplyDeleteI adore china. I buy a place setting of all the patterns I like and then mix them all up. I decided on this plan of action because there was no way I would be able to just pick one or two patterns...although I do have a Gien pattern for daily use. Now it's discontinued and I'm heartbroken.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! I am a porcelain and china (never really understood the difference, in German it's all "Porzellan") addict. I have blogged about it here. I don't know why I never fancied Nymphenburg all that much. From the older German manufactories I clearly favour Berlin, maybe because their designs (even the baroque/rococo ones) are more clean and less fussy than those of others.
ReplyDelete