Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Before Rörstrand and its contemporaries introduced ceramic serveware to Europe, people primarily ate off of metal plates. The Swedish ceramics company was pivotal in bringing porcelain from China to the Western world, and today, vintage Rörstrand ceramics are highly prized by collectors.
The company began in 1726 at Rörstrand Castle in Stockholm, under the direction of master porcelain maker Johann Wolff. Early works bore no stamp or seal to mark their origin, as the company had no competitors at the time. Once competing companies made inroads into the porcelain market, Rörstrand began to stamp its products.
With the rising demand for ceramic tableware, Rörstrand pieces filled the cabinets in the houses of the nobility, royalty and the social elite of Sweden and surrounding nations. The 1800s saw many technological advances for the company, as it began using steam presses to emboss patterns into material. The 20th century brought the company to international markets after it presented its Art Nouveau pieces at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris.
As Sweden was a neutral country during the world wars, Rörstrand was able to continue producing, whereas other companies shut down or shifted to making items for the war effort. Swedish artist-designer Gunnar Nylund created his most famous works — warm-toned matte-glazed Art Deco stoneware and more — while employed by Rörstrand. During the 1950s, Rorstrand brought on master porcelain maker Marianne Westman, lovingly referred to as “the Porcelain Mother.” Her design, the Rörstrand Mon Amie, became one of the company’s leading sellers. It was among many popular designs that she and her team developed. Westman continued with the company through the 1960s when it brought on other notable talents, such as designer Inger Persson.
In 1976, the company celebrated 250 years, and the Rörstrand Museum opened in Lidköping, holding over 15,000 pieces created by the historic ceramics manufacturer.
With almost 300 years of history, Rörstrand has survived numerous shifts in culture and design preferences, maintaining its heritage style, while smoothly adapting to new trends. With each decade, the company has debuted new designs, glazes, patterns and technologies, bringing new innovations and intriguing twists to traditional work.
Find vintage Rörstrand serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more on 1stDibs.
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Ceramic
Mid-20th Century English Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
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Cement
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Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
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1970s American Rustic Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
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20th Century Swiss Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Cement
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
1880s Swedish Antique Rörstrand Building and Garden Elements
Majolica
Rörstrand building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
- Is Rorstrand made in Sweden?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Rorstrand was made in Sweden and was considered one of Sweden’s oldest porcelain manufacturers, founded in 1726. Unfortunately, the company decided to close down their manufacturing plants in Sweden and move them to Hungary and Sri Lanka. The old factory is a Rorstrand museum today and owned by Fiskars. Shop a collection of authentic Rorstrand porcelain from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.