Bing & Grondahl China Patterns: A Guide To Identifying Your Treasures

You’re right, Blue Willow is a classic! It’s one of the most popular china patterns ever. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a timeless design that’s been around for centuries. But did you know the story behind the pattern?

It’s a romantic tale that originated in 18th-century England. The inspiration came from Chinese ceramics, particularly a fable about star-crossed lovers. It tells the story of a young man named Ko-sa, who falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy merchant. The merchant, however, disapproves of the match. The lovers decide to flee together, and they are chased by the merchant’s men. They eventually reach a bridge, where Ko-sa throws himself into the river to save his beloved. She jumps in after him and they are both transformed into birds. The design features the lovers, a bridge, a pagoda, a willow tree, and the birds.

The Blue Willow pattern has been copied and reinterpreted many times over the years. But the basic elements of the design remain the same. It’s a timeless pattern that’s sure to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Let’s break down how to date your Bing & Grondahl pieces!

If your piece has the old towers without a blue B&G stamp, then it was likely produced between 1948 and 1969. After 1970, Bing & Grondahl switched to a round stamp featuring three highly stylized towers. This style remained in use until 2004. From 2005 to the present day, the stamp has featured three towers along with the words BING & GRØNDAHL.

Understanding the Evolution of Bing & Grondahl Stamps

The changes in Bing & Grondahl’s stamps reflect a fascinating evolution in their brand identity and manufacturing practices.

– The Early Years (1948-1969): The old towers design was a simple and elegant representation of the company’s heritage. It signified a time when Bing & Grondahl was deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
– A New Era (1970-2004): The transition to the round stamp with stylized towers marked a shift towards a more modern and streamlined aesthetic. It reflected the company’s desire to appeal to a broader market while still maintaining its commitment to quality.
– Modernity and Clarity (2005-Present): The inclusion of BING & GRØNDAHL alongside the three towers on the stamp added a level of clarity and brand recognition. This was a strategic move to further solidify their position as a leading producer of high-quality porcelain.

These stamp changes are a testament to the company’s ongoing journey to stay relevant in a constantly changing market. By understanding the evolution of these stamps, you can gain valuable insights into the history and significance of your Bing & Grondahl pieces.

The Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica pattern is highly sought after and considered one of the most valuable china patterns in the world. This exquisite pattern, inspired by botanical art from the 1790s, features incredibly detailed depictions of Danish flora. Each piece is hand-painted by skilled artisans, making each one unique and incredibly valuable.

The Flora Danica pattern’s popularity and value stem from several factors:

Rarity: Production of the pattern began in 1790, and it took over a century to complete. Each piece is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.
Hand-Painted Detail: The intricate botanical designs are painstakingly hand-painted by skilled artists, making each piece a unique work of art.
Historical Significance: The pattern reflects the Danish fascination with botany and natural history during the 18th century. It is a valuable historical artifact.
Collectors’ Demand: The Flora Danica pattern is highly sought after by collectors worldwide, further increasing its value.

These factors contribute to the Flora Danica pattern’s status as one of the most expensive and coveted china patterns in the world. It’s a true testament to the beauty and artistry of Danish craftsmanship, and a prized possession for any collector.

Bing & Grøndahl was a Danish porcelain manufacturer founded in 1853. The company was established by the sculptor Frederik Vilhelm Grøndahl and the merchant brothers Meyer Hermann Bing and Jacob Herman Bing. The trademark backstamp for Bing & Grøndahl (B&G) porcelains is the three towers. This iconic symbol is derived from the Coat of Arms of Copenhagen.

The three founders each brought unique skills to the partnership. Frederik Vilhelm Grøndahl was a renowned sculptor, and his artistic vision was key to the company’s early success. Meyer Hermann Bing and Jacob Herman Bing, being skilled businessmen, focused on managing the company and developing its marketing strategy. Together, they formed a dynamic team that would propel Bing & Grøndahl to prominence in the world of porcelain.

From the very beginning, Bing & Grøndahl embraced innovation. They experimented with new techniques and designs, constantly seeking to create unique and beautiful pieces. Their commitment to excellence helped them become known for their high-quality porcelain and artistic craftsmanship. Their dedication to quality and innovation, coupled with their shrewd business acumen, led to the company’s extraordinary success. Over the years, Bing & Grøndahl became synonymous with fine Danish porcelain, and their pieces have become treasured collectibles worldwide.

You’re right to be curious about those marks on Danish porcelain! They tell a fascinating story about the history of Royal Copenhagen.

From the very beginning of Royal Copenhagen, established on May 1st, 1775, it was decided that the mark, or factory stamp, would be three wavy lines, waves that symbolize the three waterways that run through Denmark: The Sound (Øresund), the Great Belt, and the Little Belt.

Let’s take a closer look at these marks!

You’ll often see the three waves mark accompanied by other markings as well. This is because throughout the history of Royal Copenhagen, different marks were added to the basic three waves design.

Here are some things to look for when you’re examining Royal Copenhagen porcelain:

Underglaze Blue Marks: The most common type of mark is in underglaze blue, meaning the blue paint is applied before the glaze is fired onto the porcelain.
“R” or “C”: You might see an “R” for Royal or a “C” for Copenhagen.
Year Mark: Many pieces will have a year mark that indicates when it was made.
The Crown: The Danish Royal Crown is a common marking on many Royal Copenhagen pieces.

These marks are like a code, revealing the history and craftsmanship of each piece. For collectors, they can be invaluable.

So, what about the three waves? They are a constant, a symbol of the heritage of Royal Copenhagen, a link to the waterways that shaped Denmark and the artistry of its porcelain. It’s a small detail, but it tells a big story!

Royal Copenhagen was founded in 1775. The brand has a rich history, beginning with its royal connection. The factory was founded by King Christian VII of Denmark and Queen Caroline Matilda. The King was interested in developing Danish industry, and he saw the potential for a porcelain factory to help achieve this goal. The factory was given a royal warrant, which meant it was allowed to use the royal coat of arms and the name Royal Copenhagen. This gave the factory instant prestige and helped it to become successful.

The factory’s early years were marked by experimentation and innovation. The early potters struggled to produce a consistently high-quality product, but they eventually developed a formula for a strong and durable porcelain. The factory also began to produce a wide variety of products, including tableware, figurines, and tiles. The iconic Royal Copenhagen blue was also developed during this period. The color was achieved by adding cobalt oxide to the glaze. This process resulted in a beautiful and unique color, which has become one of the brand’s most recognizable features.

Let’s figure out what china pattern you have! The first step is to look for a backstamp or hallmark on the bottom of the piece. This will often include the manufacturer’s name and the pattern name. Many manufacturers also print a code or number on the bottom to indicate the pattern number.

Once you’ve found the backstamp, you can start searching for information about your pattern. There are a few resources you can use:

Online databases: Websites like Replacements.com and The China Pattern Library have large databases of china patterns. You can search by manufacturer, pattern name, or even just a description of the pattern.
Books: There are also a number of books that catalog china patterns. These can be a great resource if you’re looking for more detailed information about a particular pattern.
Antique shops and dealers: If you’re having trouble finding information online, you can always ask an antique shop or dealer for help. They may be able to identify your pattern or point you in the right direction.

Decoding the Backstamp

Backstamps can be tricky to decipher, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to understand what they’re telling you. Here are some things to look for:

Manufacturer’s name: This is usually the most obvious part of the backstamp. It might be spelled out, or it could be represented by a logo or symbol.
Pattern name: The pattern name may be written out, or it might be represented by a code or number.
Date of manufacture: Some backstamps include the year or decade in which the piece was made.
Country of origin: The backstamp might indicate where the piece was manufactured, such as England, Germany, or the United States.
Other markings: Some backstamps include other markings, such as the company’s registration mark or the name of the artist who designed the pattern.

If you’re still having trouble identifying your pattern, you can always take a picture of the backstamp and post it online. There are many online forums and groups dedicated to china collecting, and other collectors may be able to help you identify your pattern. Good luck!

It’s exciting to think your china set might be valuable! Brand, condition, location, and age all play a big part in determining its worth. You can expect an older, antique piece to be worth more than a newer one. The origin of your china can also tell you a lot about its value.

For instance, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Spode, Lenox, and Herend are all well-known brands that can command high prices, especially if they’re in excellent condition and from a limited edition or discontinued line. It’s also important to consider the condition of your china. Chips, cracks, or stains can significantly reduce its value.

Location can also influence the value of your china. Pieces made in specific regions, like Meissen in Germany or Sevres in France, are often highly sought after by collectors. Age is another crucial factor. Antique china, especially pieces from the 18th or 19th century, can be extremely valuable, particularly if they’re in good condition and come with their original boxes or papers.

Remember, even if your china isn’t worth a fortune, it’s still a beautiful piece of history and a wonderful part of your home. If you’re unsure about the value of your china, you can always consult a local antique dealer or appraiser. They can provide you with a professional assessment and help you determine its potential worth.

Bing & Grondahl Seagull China, pattern number 3003, is a beautiful dinnerware pattern that was a huge success. It was introduced in 1895 and stayed in production for a remarkable 102 years, finally being discontinued in 1997. The Seagull pattern’s beauty and popularity are clear when you see it.

Seagull China’s popularity stems from its classic design. The pattern features a simple yet elegant depiction of a seagull in flight, surrounded by delicate floral designs. The white background and blue accents create a timeless and elegant look that complements any table setting. The pattern was available in a variety of pieces, including dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, teacups, and saucers, allowing collectors to create complete sets.

The Seagull pattern is especially popular among collectors due to its long production run and its association with a bygone era. Finding complete sets of Seagull China is becoming increasingly difficult as time passes. However, individual pieces and smaller sets can still be found at antique shops, flea markets, and online auction sites.

The Seagull pattern’s success is a testament to its enduring beauty and appeal. The pattern’s elegant design and classic style continue to be admired by collectors and enthusiasts today. Even though it’s no longer in production, the Seagull pattern remains a sought-after piece of Danish porcelain and a reminder of the craftsmanship and artistry of Bing & Grondahl.

Bing & Grondahl was founded on April 19, 1853, by Frederik Vilhelm Grondahl and the Bing brothers, Meyer and Jacob. Grondahl had extensive experience in porcelain production from his time at the Royal Copenhagen. Sadly, he passed away a year and a half later. The Bing brothers, who were book and art dealers, continued the company’s legacy.

The Bing & Grondahl story started with a shared passion for art and craftsmanship. Frederik Vilhelm Grondahl, a skilled porcelain maker, brought his expertise and knowledge to the newly formed company. The Bing brothers, with their background in art and commerce, provided the business acumen and network necessary for success. They believed in creating beautiful and high-quality porcelain that would become cherished pieces in homes around the world. Their vision was to bring art and design to the everyday, creating pieces that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The company quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of porcelain figurines, tableware, and decorative objects. They were known for their exquisite craftsmanship, intricate details, and innovative designs. Their work often featured Scandinavian motifs, nature-inspired themes, and charming characters. Bing & Grondahl’s commitment to quality and artistry ensured that their pieces would become treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

This beautiful Bing & Grondahl Antique Classic Blue Fluted Saucer Plate is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your table setting. Made from fine porcelain, this plate is 13 cm in diameter. It is sold individually, so you can purchase as many as you need to complete your collection.

It’s a great idea to check out our selection of Bing & Grondahl plates for other unique and custom-made pieces. You may find the perfect addition to your collection.

Bing & Grondahl is a renowned Danish porcelain manufacturer that has been producing high-quality tableware and collectibles since 1853. Their Blue Fluted pattern is one of their most popular and recognizable designs, featuring a delicate blue floral pattern on a white background. It’s known for its classic and timeless beauty.

The saucer plate is a smaller plate that is often used for serving desserts, pastries, or snacks. It’s a versatile piece that can be used for both formal and informal dining. It’s also a popular choice for collectors as it can be found in a variety of sizes and designs.

The size of a Bing & Grondahl saucer plate can vary depending on the age and design. However, 13 cm is a common size for this type of plate. This size is perfect for holding a small dessert or snack.

The Bing & Grondahl Seagull pattern offers a delightful variety of pieces to enhance your table settings. You can find rim soup bowls, tea bowls, round vegetable dishes (with and without lids), chop plates, relish dishes, celery dishes, shell-shaped dishes, butter boxes with lids, and soup bowl and saucer sets. These pieces are perfect for adding a touch of coastal charm to your dining experience.

Bing & Grondahl Seagull is known for its charming depiction of a seagull in flight. The pattern is typically rendered in a soft blue and white palette, reminiscent of the ocean and sky. This classic design evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, making it a popular choice for both everyday dining and special occasions. The versatility of the pattern allows it to seamlessly blend with various table settings, from casual to elegant.

The rim soup bowls are particularly noteworthy. Their distinctive rim adds a touch of visual interest and provides a comfortable grip for enjoying a warm bowl of soup. The tea bowls are perfect for a relaxing afternoon tea, while the round vegetable dishes are ideal for serving fresh sides. The chop plates are a practical choice for serving main courses, while the relish dishes and celery dishes offer a stylish way to present appetizers and side dishes. The shell-shaped dishes add a touch of whimsy to your table setting, and the butter boxes with lids are perfect for keeping your butter fresh. Finally, the soup bowl and saucer sets are a beautiful and practical option for serving soup. Whether you’re searching for a single piece or a complete collection, the Bing & Grondahl Seagull pattern is sure to add a touch of elegance and charm to your dining experience.

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