For over a century, Bing & Grøndahl porcelain has been the epitome of meticulous craftsmanship in Denmark. Renowned for its refined designs and innovative techniques, the company has set new standards in collectible ceramics, earning the admiration of art enthusiasts worldwide.
In this blog, we explore the history, product lines, and enduring appeal of Bing & Grøndahl porcelain. While the company no longer exists, this Danish porcelain house left an indelible mark on ceramic artistry. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply intrigued by fine porcelain, read on to learn why Bing & Grøndahl remains a cherished name in the world of decorative arts.
The Birth of Bing & Grøndahl
Founded in 1853 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bing & Grøndahl emerged as a competitor to the well-established Royal Copenhagen. The company was the brainchild of Frederik Vilhelm Grøndahl, a skilled porcelain maker trained at Royal Copenhagen, along with Meyer Bing, an art dealer, and Jacob Bing, a businessman and investor.
From the start, the company focused on producing high-quality porcelain that reflected Danish artistry while experimenting with new techniques and aesthetics. While Bing & Grøndahl competed primarily with Royal Copenhagen in Denmark, its innovative designs also placed it among the top European porcelain houses. Bing & Grøndahl distinguished itself through a combination of craftsmanship, artistic vision, and innovative production techniques.
One of its most significant contributions was the introduction of the world's first collectible Christmas plate in 1895. Designed with Swedish artist Frans August Hallin, the plate featured a serene winter scene titled "Behind the Frozen Window." This blue-and-white porcelain piece quickly gained popularity, launching a tradition of collectible holiday china that continues today.
Beyond Christmas plates, Bing & Grøndahl porcelain was known for its elegant dinnerware patterns. The Seagull pattern, introduced in 1895, became Denmark's best-selling porcelain design of the 20th century.
Bing & Grøndahl was also a pioneer in underglaze decoration, a technique where the design is painted beneath the glaze before firing, resulting in highly durable pieces with lasting vibrancy. This technique allowed the company to produce finely detailed works that stood out in both function and form. In addition to the aforementioned Seagull series, the 1888 Heron Dinnerware Set was one of Bing & Grøndahl's earliest successes in underglaze decoration, featuring delicate heron motifs that gained international acclaim at exhibitions in Copenhagen and Paris. Another notable example is the work of Effie Hegermann-Lindencrone, an artist known for her early 20th-century Art Nouveau vases. These pieces often depicted aquatic plants, seaweed, birds, and fish, with carved elements enhancing the underglaze details.
The Merger with Royal Copenhagen
By the 20th century, Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen had become Denmark's two dominant porcelain manufacturers. Their rivalry lasted for over a century until they merged under the Royal Copenhagen name in 1987. This merger was a significant event in the history of Danish porcelain, marking the end of a long-standing competition and the beginning of a new era in the industry.
How to Identify Authentic Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain
Authentic Bing & Grøndahl pieces typically feature a three-tower mark, representing Copenhagen's historic castle towers. The mark evolved over the years, making it a useful tool for dating pieces. Earlier marks were hand-painted, while later ones were stamped, with subtle changes in font and alignment that help collectors identify the period of manufacture.
Top Bing & Grøndahl Collectibles
Some of Bing & Grøndahl's most coveted collectibles include its Christmas plates, dinnerware patterns, and figurines. Here are a few of the items that remain highly desirable due to their craftsmanship, history, and artistic appeal:
Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Plates and Dinnerware
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The 1895 Christmas Plate, "Behind the Frozen Window," remains one of the most valuable and historically significant pieces, as it was the first-ever collectible Christmas plate. Early 20th-century Christmas plates are also highly sought after by collectors.
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Seagull Dinnerware Pattern – Introduced in 1895, this became the best-selling porcelain pattern in Denmark. Its soft blue tones and graceful seagull imagery make it a timeless classic and highly coveted for collectors of Bing & Grøndahl porcelain.
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Empire Pattern - Introduced in the late 19th century, the Empire pattern features neoclassical-inspired design elements,
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Danish Summer Pattern – The Danish Summer pattern, celebrated for its delicate floral motifs, was introduced in the early 20th century.
Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Figurines
Bing & Grøndahl produced a range of figurines, many of which are highly collectible:
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The Little Mermaid (circa 1913) – Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's iconic fairytale, this piece is one of the most famous in the Bing & Grøndahl collection.
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The Reading Girl – A beloved piece that captures a quiet, contemplative moment.
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The Playful Fox (1930s) – A popular animal figurine that showcases Bing & Grøndahl's attention to lifelike detail.
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Ballet Dancer (mid-century) – A sought-after figurine known for its elegance and intricate design.
Fine Porcelain at Around the Block
Though Bing & Grøndahl no longer operates as an independent brand, its influence on Danish porcelain and collectible ceramics remains strong. Whether it's a charming Christmas plate, an elegant figurine, or a beautifully detailed dinnerware set, each piece carries with it a rich history of craftsmanship and design innovation. For collectors, Bing & Grøndahl represents more than just fine porcelain; It's a tangible piece of Danish art history that continues to enchant enthusiasts around the world.
At Around the Block, we’re proud that Bing & Grøndahl porcelain is among the standout brands in both our collection of fine china and porcelain figurines. Whether you appreciate the artistry of their delicate figurines or the elegance of their classic dinnerware, Around the Block is your go-to destination for porcelain treasures in the GTA and beyond.
