A Butterfly in Porcelain
The Butterfly service from Bing & Groendahl is decorated with a hand-painted butterfly surrounded by fine leaves. The motif is executed in blue underglaze and is a classic example of Bing & Groendahl’s nature-inspired porcelain from the late 19th century.
The light and detailed expression makes Bing & Groendahl Butterfly a set that can both stand alone and be combined with other blue sets. Over time, many different pieces have been produced for both coffee and service sets, which is why many choose to supplement continuously.
The History Behind the Butterfly service
The Butterfly service was designed around 1880 by Frederik August Hallin for Bing & Groendahl. The set is known as form no. 356, and the classic blue decoration has decoration number 4861.
It was created during a period when Bing & Groendahl focused on nature motifs in porcelain. The hand-painted decoration in blue underglaze gives the color depth and simultaneously protects the motif in daily use.
The Butterfly service was produced over many years but is no longer made and can today only be purchased used.
Three Variants of Bing & Groendahl Butterfly
Bing & Groendahl Butterfly comes in three well-known decoration variants: the classic Butterfly as well as Kipling and Dickens. The difference between them lies primarily in the edge decorations.
Younger generations have discovered the old sets, which they recognize from their grandparents' homes. Many inherit the set and wish to supplement with more pieces or new variations. Many different pieces have been produced for the set, so it is beneficial to know the three versions of the set.
Butterfly (classic blue)
The classic version is decorated in blue underglaze without a gold rim. This edition is the original variant of the set and is dishwasher safe.
Kipling
The Kipling variant combines the blue butterfly with a gold rim. The gold details give the set a more pronounced and formal appearance.
Dickens
Dickens has a more detailed edge decoration and is available both with and without gold details, making it more decorative.
Hand-painted Design and Unique Details
The Butterfly service is hand-painted in blue underglaze – a technique used in Danish porcelain production since the 18th century. The indigo blue color is applied directly on the porcelain before it is glazed and fired at high temperature.
It requires precision to paint the fine tendrils and the characteristic butterfly. The brush's pressure and movement affect the color intensity and detail sharpness, so minor variations can occur from piece to piece.
Once the decoration is painted, it is covered by the glaze. Butterfly without gold rim is thus an underglaze set, which withstands daily use and dishwasher, while pieces with gold details should be hand washed.
A Beloved Set in Both Summer Cottage and Home
We often hear that the Butterfly service belongs in the summer cottage. The blue motif and white base naturally fit into bright rooms and at the table, where the atmosphere is meant to be relaxed.
But Bing & Groendahl Butterfly is not just a summer set. It works just as well for a classic table setting and can easily be combined with other blue or white sets.
It is one of the sets many have inherited – and choose to supplement rather than replace.
Facts about Blaa Blomst:
Who designed the Butterfly service?
What is the difference between Butterfly, Kipling and Dickens?
- The difference lies primarily in the edge decoration. The classic Butterfly is done in blue underglaze without gold rim, Kipling has a gold rim, and Dickens has a more detailed edge decoration, often combined with gold.
Is the Butterfly service still produced?
- No, the set is no longer produced and can today only be bought antique.
Is the Butterfly service dishwasher safe?
- Pieces without gold rim withstand dishwasher. Pieces with gold details should be hand washed to preserve the decoration.
Does the Butterfly service come as both coffee and service sets?
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