Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Plate 1912 On the Way to Church Christmas Eve

On the Way to Church Christmas Eve is the title of Bing & Grøndahl's Christmas plate from 1912, and the motif captures a quiet and solemn Christmas scene with great sensitivity. In the blue-white winter light, the church is seen rising behind the dark trees, while small figures move through the snow toward the illuminated entrance. The starry sky and the glowing windows give the motif a calm, almost devotional atmosphere, which suits the special anticipation and reflection of Christmas Eve beautifully.

This year was designed by Einar Hansen and, according to the existing registration, shows Ejby Church southwest of Copenhagen. The old village church appears in the motif as a gathering point in the winter darkness, where the light from the windows and door becomes a natural symbol of community, tradition, and the warmth of Christmas. It is precisely the interplay between the monumental church, the bare trees, and the few people making their way forward that makes the 1912 plate a motif with both narrative and atmosphere.

Bing & Grøndahl's Christmas plates hold a very special place in Danish porcelain history. The series began in 1895 and was thus the world's first Christmas plate series. Since 1895, a new plate has been issued every year, and each year was produced in a limited number. After the year's final firing, the mold was destroyed, so that the Christmas plate in question could not later be put into production again. This makes each year a completed release with its own history and identity.

As a Christmas plate from 1905 onwards, this plate can also be used as a smaller plate and does not need to be brought out only in December. It is ideal as a cake plate or dessert plate for the rest of the year, while during Christmastime it adds a classic Danish Christmas atmosphere to the table. At the same time, it is a fine example of how older quality products can still be given new life in the home and create joy across generations.

For collectors and connoisseurs, the 1912 year is interesting both for its atmospheric church motif and for its place in the long tradition of Bing & Grøndahl Christmas plates. It unites Danish design history, Christmas storytelling, and porcelain craftsmanship in one and the same release.

Product information:
Manufacturer: Bing & Grøndahl
Designer: Einar Hansen
Title: On the Way to Church Christmas Eve
Year: 1912
Motif: Ejby Church southwest of Copenhagen
Material: Porcelain
Dimensions: Ø 18 cm
Hanging: Two holes on the back for hanging