Royal Copenhagen vases and jars through generations
Royal Copenhagen vases and jars have been part of Danish homes for generations. Some are used for flowers and green branches, others remain on display year-round as part of the decor, while the rarer models have found their way into collections worldwide.
Over the years, the factory has created everything from hand-painted porcelain vases to colorful stoneware and faience vases as well as decorative jars in many different shapes and sizes.
From porcelain to stoneware and faience
One thing that sets Royal Copenhagen apart from many other Danish porcelain factories is the large selection of vases and jars.
Where Bing & Groendahl is primarily known for porcelain, Royal Copenhagen's range spans porcelain, faience, and stoneware. This is partly because Aluminia later became part of Royal Copenhagen. Aluminia had for many years developed its own traditions within both faience and stoneware, which helped create the great variety Royal Copenhagen vases and jars are known for today.
Therefore, at Royal Copenhagen you will find everything from hand-painted porcelain vases with flowers, landscapes and maritime motifs to colorful stoneware and faience vases as well as decorative jars in many different sizes and styles.
Hand-painted motifs with Danish charm
Many of Royal Copenhagen's porcelain vases are decorated with the motifs the factory has become known for through generations. Flowers, landscapes, birds and maritime motifs repeat on many models and give each vase its own expression.
It is precisely the hand-painted decorations that are an important part of Royal Copenhagen's history. Small variations in brushstrokes and colors mean that no two vases are necessarily exactly alike, which is something many collectors appreciate.
Among the most sought-after Royal Copenhagen vases are the early Art Nouveau vases from the late 1800s and early 1900s. These often feature flowers, butterflies, birds and other nature motifs rendered with great detail. Many of the vases are hand-painted and today appear as small works of art. When they appear on the market in good condition, they are often popular among collectors because they represent some of the finest craftsmanship from Royal Copenhagen's early history.
Royal Copenhagen jars
Royal Copenhagen has also produced a large selection of jars with and without lids. Some were made for storage, while others primarily had a decorative function.
Today, the jars are often used as part of the decor. They can stand alone on a shelf or sideboard, be used for storing small items, or be combined with vases, bowls, figures and candlesticks from the same period.
Like the vases, the jars come in many different styles, ranging from classic porcelain to stoneware and faience.
Baca, Tenera and the colorful vases
Royal Copenhagen is not only known for porcelain vases. Many collectors and home enthusiasts also look for the characteristic Baca and Tenera vases, produced in the 1960s and 1970s under the leadership of Nils Thorsson, who was one of the most important designers at Aluminia and Royal Copenhagen.
The series are particularly known for their colorful decorations, exciting shapes, and distinctive design language from the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, they fit naturally into both modern homes and decor with retro and vintage styles.
Decorating with Royal Copenhagen vases and jars
Royal Copenhagen vases and jars do not need to be filled with flowers to attract attention. Many models are so decorative in themselves that they function as a natural part of the decor.
A large vase can create height on a dining table or sideboard, while smaller vases and jars can be used to create variation on a shelf, a mirror tray or in a windowsill. Many also choose to combine several different sizes to create a more lively expression.
Especially the older models add something to the home that can be hard to find in newer products – namely history, craftsmanship, and personality.
Used Royal Copenhagen vases and jars
Many of the most interesting Royal Copenhagen vases and jars are out of production and can therefore only be bought used.
At DPH - Danish Porcelain House, we continuously receive both classic porcelain vases, stoneware, faience, and decorative jars. Some models we see regularly, while others appear only a few times.
Therefore, the selection changes all the time, and it is often precisely that which makes the hunt for the next Royal Copenhagen vase or jar interesting for both collectors and those who want something special for the home.
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