For over 170 years, Bing & Grøndahl porcelain has captured the hearts of collectors worldwide with its exceptional craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and distinctly Danish character.
Founded in 1853 as a direct competitor to Royal Copenhagen, Bing & Grøndahl established itself as a manufacturer of extraordinary tableware, figurines, and collectible plates that would define Danish porcelain excellence.
At Around the Block, we regularly handle exquisite Bing & Grøndahl pieces. This experience has given us a deep appreciation for which Bing & Grøndahl patterns and pieces command the strongest collector interest, and why certain items remain investment-quality acquisitions for decades, or even centuries, after their creation.
Today, we're sharing our picks for the top 10 most collectible Bing & Grøndahl patterns and pieces, each representing the pinnacle of Danish porcelain artistry.
1. Seagull Pattern Dinnerware
If one pattern defines Bing & Grøndahl's legacy, it's Seagull. Designed by Fanny Garde in 1892 and released in 1895, this iconic service features hand-painted seagulls gracefully soaring against soft blue gradient backgrounds. The pattern's textured edges evoke seashells, while sculpted seahorses adorn handles on select pieces—details that showcase Bing & Grøndahl's commitment to dimensional artistry rather than flat decoration.
Seagull's cultural significance extends far beyond aesthetics. During the 1950s through 1980s, the pattern became known as the "National Service of Denmark." It's estimated that one in ten Danish households owned pieces from this service. This widespread popularity speaks to Seagull's remarkable ability to feel simultaneously elegant and approachable, formal yet welcoming.
Production of Seagull continued until December 1, 2011, when Royal Copenhagen (which had acquired Bing & Grøndahl in 1987) discontinued the 119-year-old pattern. This discontinuation has only increased collector interest, particularly for earlier pieces with authentic Bing & Grøndahl marks. Complete vintage services command premium prices, whilst individual pieces from the 1950s-1970s era—when Seagull reached peak popularity—remain accessible entry points for collectors discovering Bing & Grøndahl's appeal.
2. 1895 Christmas Plate – "Behind the Frozen Window"
Bing & Grøndahl created something extraordinary in 1895: the world's first collector's plate. "Behind the Frozen Window" established a tradition that would continue for over a century and inspire countless imitators worldwide. The plate features a cobalt-blue winter scene rendered in Bing & Grøndahl's newly perfected underglaze technique. This process enabled unprecedented detail and depth in blue-on-white porcelain decoration.
Understanding this plate's significance requires appreciating its revolutionary concept. Before 1895, decorative plates were simply decorative objects. Bing & Grøndahl introduced the idea of annual commemorative plates specifically designed as collectibles, items meant to be acquired, displayed, and treasured rather than used. This innovation created an entirely new category in the collectibles market.
Today, the 1895 "Behind the Frozen Window" plate represents the holy grail for Bing & Grøndahl Christmas plate collectors. In excellent condition, examples can command between $1,000 and $2,500 at auction. The combination of historical significance, extreme rarity (these plates are now 130 years old), and status as the world's first collector's plate ensures continued strong demand among serious collectors.
3. Dahl-Jensen Polar Bear Figurines
Jens Peter Dahl-Jensen's polar bear figurines are among the most sought-after animal sculptures in Danish porcelain. Created during the 1920s and 1930s, these pieces showcase Dahl-Jensen's extraordinary ability to capture both anatomical accuracy and emotional expression in porcelain.
Several polar bear models are available in the Bing & Grøndahl catalogue, each commanding collectors' attention. Model 1629 depicts a sitting polar bear with remarkable attention to fur texture and realistic colouring in whites and subtle greys. Model 1310 shows a standing bear, whilst Model 1156 captures the animal in a walking pose. The "Polar Bear" figurine from 1912, documented in historical records, remains particularly prized for its age and historical significance.
Dahl-Jensen joined Bing & Grøndahl in the late 19th century and quickly established himself as the company's premier animal sculptor. His work balances scientific observation with artistic interpretation; these aren't merely accurate representations of polar bears, but sculptures that convey personality, mood, and narrative. This combination of technical mastery and emotional resonance explains why Dahl-Jensen figurines consistently achieve strong auction results and remain highly collectible.
4. Early Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Plates (1895-1920)
Beyond the inaugural 1895 plate, Bing & Grøndahl's early Christmas plates represent exceptional collecting opportunities. Plates from 1895 through 1900 are the top sellers, followed by those from 1900 to 1920.
These early plates hold particular appeal for several reasons. First, they represent Bing & Grøndahl's period of innovation, when the underglaze blue technique was still relatively new and exciting. Second, production numbers were lower than in later decades, making survival rates more limited. Third, the designs from this era often featured simpler, more graphic compositions that many collectors find more aesthetically appealing than some later, more elaborate designs.
Serious Christmas plate collectors often focus on assembling complete runs from specific decades. The pre-1920 period poses the greatest challenge and requires the greatest investment, making these plates the cornerstone of advanced collections. Condition remains paramount—chips, cracks, or glaze damage significantly impact value.
5. "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep" Figurine (1911)
This charming figurine, based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, represents Bing & Grøndahl's excellence in storytelling through porcelain. The 1911 piece captures a romantic moment between the delicate shepherdess and her sooty admirer, rendered with the exceptional detail work that made Bing & Grøndahl figurines famous.
What makes this figurine particularly collectible is its connection to Danish cultural heritage. Andersen's fairy tales hold special significance in Denmark, and Bing & Grøndahl's figurine interpretations of his stories became cherished items both domestically and internationally. The Shepherdess and Chimney Sweep figurine appeals to collectors of fairy-tale-themed porcelain, Bing & Grøndahl figurine specialists, and those who appreciate romantic Victorian-era aesthetics.
Early examples with authentic Bing & Grøndahl marks command premium prices, particularly pieces in exceptional condition with original hand-painted details intact. The figurine's relatively early production date (1911) adds historical significance that later reproductions or similar pieces cannot match.
6. Underglaze Blue Heron Service (c. 1889)
Pietro Krohn's Heron service, introduced around 1889, represents a watershed moment in Bing & Grøndahl's history. As one of the company's first major underglaze porcelain services, it showcased Bing & Grøndahl's newly perfected technique that would define the company's aesthetic for decades to come.
The Heron pattern features elegant herons amid naturalistic Art Nouveau-inspired flora, all rendered in the cobalt blue that became synonymous with quality Danish porcelain. The design anticipated the Art Nouveau movement whilst maintaining classical restraint—a balance that helps explain its enduring appeal.
Pietro Krohn served as Bing & Grøndahl's artistic director from 1885, and his development of the underglaze process cannot be overstated. This technique—painting decoration directly onto unglazed bisque porcelain before firing—allowed for depth and nuance not possible with overglaze decoration. The Heron service's commercial success validated this investment in technical innovation and established standards other manufacturers would follow.
Complete or partial Heron services remain rare finds. The pattern's historical significance, combined with its undeniable beauty and relatively limited production period, ensures strong collector interest when pieces surface.
7. Empire Pattern Dinnerware
Introduced in the late 19th century, the Empire pattern embodies neoclassical elegance adapted for Danish sensibilities. The design features gold trim, classical motifs, and restrained decoration that complement rather than overwhelm Bing & Grøndahl's exceptional porcelain body.
Empire represents an interesting counterpoint to Seagull's more naturalistic approach. Where Seagull evokes coastal Denmark through its maritime themes, Empire draws on classical antiquity for inspiration. This distinction allows collectors to appreciate Bing & Grøndahl's range—the company could produce both distinctly Scandinavian designs and pieces that competed directly with more formal European porcelain.
Empire services appear less frequently than Seagull primarily because production numbers were lower and the pattern appealed to a more formal, elite market. This relative scarcity works in collectors' favour when seeking distinctive Bing & Grøndahl pieces that stand apart from the more commonly encountered patterns.
8. "Girl with Calf" Figurine (1937)
This tender figurine captures a young girl with a baby calf, rendered with the naturalism and emotional warmth that characterised Bing & Grøndahl's figurine production in the 1930s. The piece exemplifies the company's ability to create sculptures that tell stories while maintaining technical excellence.
Collectors appreciate how this figurine represents everyday Danish rural life elevated to art. It's neither overly sentimental nor coldly technical, but finds that perfect balance of observation and interpretation that makes Bing & Grøndahl figurines so appealing. Pieces in excellent condition with clear marks command attention at auction, particularly among collectors focusing on 1930s Bing & Grøndahl production.
9. Dahl-Jensen Animal Collection
Beyond his celebrated polar bears, Jens Peter Dahl-Jensen created an extensive collection of animal figurines for Bing & Grøndahl that remain highly collectible. His designs included birds (particularly birds of prey like kestrels and Icelandic falcons), dogs (especially Pekingese puppies and terriers), and other wildlife, each demonstrating his exceptional ability to capture animal character in porcelain.
What distinguishes Dahl-Jensen's animal work is his obvious understanding of animal anatomy and behaviour. These aren't stylised interpretations but carefully observed studies that also happen to be beautiful decorative objects. A Dahl-Jensen fox terrier doesn't just look like a fox terrier—it has the alert, intelligent expression specific to the breed. His birds don't simply perch—they convey tension, readiness, personality.
Collectors increasingly recognise Dahl-Jensen signatures as marks of exceptional quality. His work for Bing & Grøndahl spanned several decades, providing collecting opportunities across different periods and price points. Earlier pieces command premium prices, and even later examples of his designs retain strong values due to his reputation for excellence.
10. Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Jubilee Plates
Beginning in 1915 to celebrate the first 20 years of Christmas plates, Bing & Grøndahl introduced Jubilee plates issued every five years through 2010. These larger 9-inch plates feature motifs from popular earlier Christmas plates, combining the original plate's date (1895) with the jubilee year.
Jubilee plates serve multiple purposes in collecting. They allow collectors to own interpretations of rare early designs in more affordable, larger formats. They commemorate specific milestones in the Christmas plate tradition. They reflect Bing & Grøndahl's awareness of its own history and collector culture.
The earlier Jubilee plates (1915, 1920, 1925) command the strongest prices, whilst later editions remain more accessible. Collectors often pursue these as complements to their annual Christmas plate collections, creating more comprehensive displays that tell the whole story of Bing & Grøndahl's longest-running tradition.
Why These Pieces Endure
What transforms certain Bing & Grøndahl patterns and pieces into timeless collectibles? Our experience at Around the Block suggests several consistent factors.
First, technical excellence matters profoundly. Bing & Grøndahl's porcelain body, their perfected underglaze technique, and their hand-painting standards all contribute to a quality that remains evident decades later. These pieces weren't merely pretty when new—they were superbly made, ensuring their survival and continued appeal.
Second, cultural resonance extends beyond mere decoration. Seagull captured something essential about Danish identity. The Christmas plates created a tradition that transcended Denmark's borders. The figurines told stories that connected with human emotions. This depth of meaning transforms functional or decorative objects into cultural artifacts worth preserving.
Third, the 1987 merger with Royal Copenhagen created a historical dividing line. Pieces marked with the original Bing & Grøndahl three towers trademark represent a completed chapter in Danish porcelain history. This ending paradoxically ensures the beginning of serious collecting interest, as items become genuinely finite rather than continuously produced.
Finally, Bing & Grøndahl achieved something remarkable—they created porcelain that appealed simultaneously to serious collectors and ordinary households. Seagull graced elegant dinner parties and everyday family meals. Christmas plates hung in manor houses and modest apartments. This democratic quality, combined with undeniable craftsmanship, ensures Bing & Grøndahl's continued relevance to collectors at all levels.
Building Your Collection
At Around the Block, we're proud to regularly feature exceptional Bing & Grøndahl pieces, from complete dinnerware services to figurines and collectible plates. Visit our Toronto showroom to discover our current collection of Bing & Grøndahl porcelain.
The three towers of Copenhagen have marked exceptional porcelain for over a century. Each piece tells a story of Danish craftsmanship, artistic vision, and the enduring appeal of beautifully made objects designed to last generations.
