Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Plate 1943 Ribe Cathedral

Ribe Cathedral 1943 is an atmospheric Bing & Grøndahl Christmas plate, in which one of Denmark's most historic church interiors is interpreted in the classic blue-and-white porcelain. The motif brings together the cathedral's distinctive towers and the broad church façade in a snow-covered urban space, where the low houses around the church emphasize the monumental calm that characterizes Ribe. The small stars above the town give the scene a quiet Christmas glow and lift the motif from townscape to winter narrative.

In this year's edition, Ribe Cathedral is not just a building, but the very center of the motif. The church rises heavily and dignified above the snow-covered roofs, and the composition leads the eye directly toward the façade and the towers. This gives the plate a special balance between urban history, architecture, and Christmas atmosphere. Ribe is one of Denmark's oldest towns, and the cathedral is naturally associated with both Danish church history and the cultural heritage that Bing & Grøndahl often highlighted in its Christmas plates.

The Christmas plate is designed by Ove Larsen and belongs to the famous series, which began in 1895 as the world's first Christmas plate series. Since then, a new plate has been released every year, and precisely for that reason each year has its own place in collector history. The 1943 edition is at the same time a fine example of how the series unites Danish architecture, winter landscape, and high craftsmanship quality in one motif.

Each year was produced in a limited number, and after the year's final firing the mold was destroyed. This makes each individual Christmas plate a completed release, which could not later be put into production again. For collectors, this is an essential part of the charm, but the plate can also be used and enjoyed in everyday life. As this year is from 1943, it is well suited as a small cake plate or dessert plate, and at Christmas time the blue decoration adds a special atmosphere to the table.

Older porcelain like this contains both history and durability. When a vintage Christmas plate is allowed to be hung up or brought out year after year, the joy of classic Danish design is carried on in both a personal and sustainable way.

Product information:
Manufacturer: Bing & Grøndahl
Designer: Ove Larsen
Series: Christmas Plates
Motif/title: Ribe Cathedral
Year: 1943
Material: Porcelain
Dimensions: Ø 18 cm
Hanging: Two holes on the back for hanging