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Danish design, particularly furniture and applied arts, cemented itself on the world map in the 1950s and 60s. At that time, names such as Arne Jacobsen, Georg Jensen and jewelry designer Nanna Ditzel became leading figures for what was called Danish Modern abroad. Functionalism, simplicity and high quality craftsmanship were considered both modern and timeless on the international market.
Royal Copenhagen, Georg Jensen, Bing & Grøndahl, Holmegaard Glasværk and Aluminia are five very different brands with different craft pursuits and expressions. What they all have in common is an uncompromising approach to craftsmanship and a number of works that today stand as classics in Danish design history.

Royal Copenhagen

In 1775, Royal Copenhagen was founded under the name Den Kongelige Porcelainsfabrik. As a result of Queen Juliane Marie's granting of the royal privilege, the factory received an official seal of approval from the start, which gave the business both financial advantages and an important status. At the same time, the royal support made it easy for Den Kongelige Porcelainsfabrik to attract skilled craftsmen and artists.
Early on, the factory became particularly known for its characteristic blue-painted porcelain inspired by the Chinese tradition, which was popular throughout much of Europe at the time. The factory's first artistic director – the French painter and porcelain expert Louis Fournier – developed the cobalt blue Fluted Blue, which is still highly sought after both in Denmark and around the world. For many, Royal Copenhagen represents the Danish tradition of design and porcelain when it is at its very best.

Prominent works:

•Fluted Blue Fluted - Royal Copenhagen's first set launched in 1775 and with a hand-painted, cobalt blue pattern

•Flora Danica - One of the most exclusive frames in the world, decorated with botanical illustrations and launched in 1790

•Christmas plates - Annually published collectible plates with motifs inspired by the Danish winter first launched in 1908

Georg Jensen

Since its founding in 1904, Georg Jensen has stood as a symbol of modernism and unsurpassed Danish silver art. Many of the silversmith's own early jewelry were greatly influenced by the Art Nouveau wave that spread across the European continent at the beginning of the 20th century. Art Nouveau was characterized by organic lines and a preoccupation with nature, and Georg Jensen distinguished himself during this time as one of the most prominent figures in the Danish craft tradition.
After Georg Jensen's death in 1935, the company was continued, and it soon developed into an international group – recognized and loved for both home interiors and exclusive, classic and timeless jewelry design.

Prominent works:

•Finger rings - Characterized by high craftsmanship and from names like Nanna Ditzel and Henning Koppel

•Bracelet - Both delicate and striking designs in sterling silver that combine tradition with modern aesthetics

•Brooches - Unique and breathtaking small works of art, often shaped organically or geometrically

Bing & Grondahl

Bing & Grøndahl was founded in 1853 by the brothers Meyer Hermann Bing and Frederik Vilhelm Grøndahl, and the factory is today widely considered one of the most important within the Danish porcelain tradition.
From the beginning, Bing & Grøndahl was known for its detailed works, often inspired by nature and Nordic everyday life. Several prominent Danish artists and designers – including Rudolf Tegner and Gertrud Vasegaard – have left their mark on Bing & Grøndahl’s catalogue over time. Tableware, figurines and Christmas plates in particular have helped to secure Bing & Grøndahl’s widespread reputation for quality, originality and aesthetics. Although Bing & Grøndahl was acquired by Royal Copenhagen in 1987, the factory’s style and signature works live on in full swing.

Prominent works:

•Christmas plates - Annually published collectible albums, originally launched in 1895, with motifs inspired by Danish holidays and culture

•Figures - Lifelike porcelain figurines of animals, children and various scenes from everyday life, among other things

•Empire - Frames with neoclassical features often characterized by gold decorations and stylized elegance

Holmegaard Glassworks

Holmegaard Glassworks has had a prominent place in Danish design and industrial history ever since its founding in 1825. At that time, Dowager Countess Henriette Danneskiold-Samsøe received royal permission to establish a glassworks in Holmegaard Mose, and with inspiration from the glass tradition in Bohemia in particular, the glassworks began their production of bottles and drinking glasses.
In the 20th century, Holmegaard Glassworks underwent a rapid development, which included notable collaborations with designers such as Jacob E. Bang and Per Lütken. The glassworks is known today especially for its mouth-blown works; the soft and organic forms, and the refined play of colors. A large part of Holmegaard's production of glass has today gained collector's status and is included as applied art in both private and professional contexts - nationally and globally.

Prominent works:

•Carnaby - Series designed by Per Lütken in the 1960s and characterized by colorful vases in organic shapes

•Palette - Series of brightly colored kitchen jars and bottles, designed by Michael Bang in the 1970s

•No. 5 - Sleek carafe series from the 1930s by Jacob E. Bang with works in cobalt, amethyst and olive, among other things

Aluminum

From the beginning in 1863, Aluminia specialized in the form of tin-glazed earthenware called faience, and in this way the factory distinguished itself significantly from both Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl. Aluminia quickly became known for its colorful decorations, and over the course of two decades the factory developed both everyday tableware and decorative objects that drew on Danish nature and folk culture in terms of motifs. In 1882, Aluminia became a co-owner of the Royal Porcelain Factory, and the brand continued to exist in its own right until 1969, when production ceased. However, a large part of the brand's tableware is still sought after among the many people who have a fondness for earthenware and porcelain.

Prominent works:

•Blue Edge - Robust everyday frame launched in 1911 and characterized by simple, hand-painted edges in blue

•Christmas plates - Annually issued collector's plates in matte or muted multi-colored faience, first launched in 1908

•Reliefs - Colorful wall decorations in faience, designed by artisan Thorvald Bindesbøll

Why buy Danish design?

Design is more than just form and function – it is a story of aesthetics, quality and cultural heritage. When you buy a beautiful set from a brand like Royal Copenhagen, a classic glass series from Holmegaard or one of Bing & Grøndahl's Christmas plates, you add both investment value, history and aesthetics to your home. Most of us live lives that are characterized by constant hustle and bustle. Mentally and physically, we are almost always in several places at once. This is precisely why beautiful things in everyday life have a very special power. They stop the gaze. They create peace and joy. And they remind us that simple, well-executed craftsmanship can lift daily activities to new heights.
Do you want to bring more history, beauty and sensuality into your home? Contact Harsted Antik, where we will help you find the perfect piece of Danish design.