Herend
Herend
In a delightfully unique dichotomy, Herend porcelain is as adorable as it is luxurious. Herend porcelain is in a league of its own in terms of historical significance and range of artistic expression. Known colloquially as “white gold,” Herend’s background is interlaced with that of Europe’s ruling class.
Starting almost 200 years ago, Herend was founded in Hungary in 1826. Under new ownership in 1839, Herend’s artistic direction took a royal turn when Mors Fischer decided to market the fine china business to the aristocracy looking to substitute missing plates from their sets with convincing replacements. The work of Herend ceramicists was so excellent that the designer caught Queen Victoria’s attention. In 1851, Queen Victoria commissioned a set of plates with fluttering butterflies and blooming peonies. What suited the Queen’s tastes quickly became in-Vogue for her well-heeled followers, which set Herend up for excellent success among England’s wealthy leading families. Those looking to emulate the Queen with stylish, hand-made porcelain fought for commissions from Herend left and right. About twenty years later, Herend began to make figurines—a hallmark of their oeuvre today. Herend figures are commonly hand decorated with a colorful blue, pink, or yellow fishnet design draped over the body to add sculptural definition and whimsy.
Herend was introduced to the American marketplace in 1957. Since then, its popularity has continued to flourish. Herend figurines are perfect gifts for new parents-to-be and they add cheerfulness to any home. Seasonal characters can be fun to coordinate with holidays, such as gingerbread men and Christmas trees, but Herend bunnies are certainly not just for Easter! Dressed-up Herend bunnies might be just as ready to jump in the pool for some Summertime fun as they are to head out for trick-or-treat on Halloween. Herend porcelain plates sport sophisticated leaf, vine, bird, and butterfly patterns, recreate designs treasured by royals, or incorporate Chinese motifs that nod to porcelain’s origins. There is such a variety available from this designer that finding your favorite Herend might be more challenging than you think!