Duckydora dinner party

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Salad and garlic bread served on Duckydora 'Sienna' tableware with 'Florence' tea towel

We’ve just received some lovely Sienna patterned tableware from duckydora.

Duckydora logo on the underside of a 'Sienna' side plate

It was put straight to use that evening as we were having pasta with some garlic bread and salad. It was absolutely perfect for serving.

Slices of garlic bread served on a Duckydora 'Sienna' plate

This range is pared back, clean and simple with a modern, rustic feel. The bowl & plates are glazed terracotta in a lovely, soft baby blue shade – hand decorated with a repeating raindrop pattern. It’s photographed here with the complementing Florence tea towel which adds pretty stylised flowers to the scene.

'Sienna' salad bowl with 'Florence' teatowel

This Sienna tableware is just one of a range of products available at the duckydora website.

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R is for… Rorstrand

'R is for... Rorstrand' blog post banner

detail of a pear from a Rorstrand pottery dish | H is for Home

Swedish ceramic production has been dominated by 3 firms – Gustavsberg, Upsala-Ekeby and the subject of today’s blog… Rorstrand.

'Pop' series teapot by Inger Persson for RorstrandPop series teapot by Inger Persson

Rorstrand is in fact, the 2nd oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe, having been established in 1726. However, most of its early production was based on successful ranges developed by other factories.

'Koka' teapot by Hertha Bengston for Rorstrand | H is for Home
Koka
range by Hertha Bengston

The arrival of Alf Wallander as Art Director in 1895 was very significant. The factory began producing original, distinctive and innovative ceramics of its own.

Small 'Eden' lidded pot by Marianne Westman | H is for HomeEden range by Marianne Westman

'Eden' casserole dish by Marianne Westman | H is for Home

Rorstrand has attracted some of the most talented artists & designers of the day. Names such as Edward Hald, Louise Adelberg, Carl-Harry Stalhane, Hertha Bengston, Gunnar Nylund, Marianne Westman, Inger Persson and Bertil Vallien.

Stoneware ewers by Gunner NylundStoneware ewers by Gunner Nylund

The mid-twentieth output is our own personal favourite – with its simple stoneware designs & informal tableware ranges such as Picknick and Eden.

Rorstrand 'Picknick' serving trayPicknick serving tray

Rorstrand 'Ark' plate and bowlArk plate and bowl

Over the years, there have been various mergers & takeovers within Swedish ceramics – the ‘big three’ firms are today part of a single conglomerate – Designer Oy.

Rorstrand 'Granada' pattern milk jug | H is for HomeGranada pattern milk jug

Rorstrand is still producing great ceramics – take a look at their current designers & ranges.

Of the recent output, we’re fond of the Grade tableware designed by Pia Torwell in 2000 – simple, functional & beautiful.

Rorstrand 'Grade' ceramic kitchen/tablewareGrade kitchen/tableware

For more information about Rorstrand & Swedish ceramics in general check out the books listed below. They’re packed full of images!

Additional images courtesy:
Fischler, George & Gould, Barrett: Scandinavian Ceramics and Glass 1940s to 1980s
Fiell, Charlotte and Peter: Scandinavian Design

F is for… Figgjo

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vintage Figgjo Flint milk and sugar set

Figgjo Flint is a Norwegian pottery company still producing today.

detail of pattern on vintage milk and sugar set

Our favourites of theirs are the folk art and landscape-inspired designs of the 1950s & 60s – ranges such as Lotte, Daisy, Sicilia and Market.

vintage Figgjo Turi egg cup vintage Figgjo Turi plate detail
Tor Viking
pattern egg cup and plate border detail

They incorporated mythical creatures, whimsical figures and stylised flowers.

vintage Figgo Flint 'Sicilia' folk decorated plate vintage Figgo Flint 'Sicilia' folk decorated plates
Sicilia
pattern plates

The motifs were used to decorate tableware, kitchen equipment and decorative objects such as bowls and wall plaques.

vintage Fijjo pottery saucepan vintage Fijjo pottery saucepan
Pair of pottery sauce/milk pans

vintage Figgjo wall plaque featuring Vikings by Rolf FrøylandDetail of wall plaque designed by Rolf Frøyland

vintage 'Daisy' tray by Figgjo Flint vintage 'Berry' butter dish by Figgjo Flint
Daisy
pattern tray (left) Berry and leaf patterned butter dish (right)

Various mergers have taken place under the Figgjo umbrella, significant amongst these was with Stavangerflint in 1968.

vintage Stavangerflint 'June' coffee setStavangerflint June coffee set

For more of a detailed history visit the Figgjo AS website.

Lots of our Flickr friends have lovely examples of this distinctive pottery. Have a look at them here.