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.
Late 18th Century Gustavian Faience Table with Red Stand
By Rörstrand
Located in Ljungby, SE
A tray table with a removable faience top made at the Rörstrand faience factory in Stockholm during the 1780s/90s. The motif depicts a naval battle i...
Faience, Pine
Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted Tea Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Fantastic Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XV Style Two Tier Parquetry Tea Table With inlaid diamond parquetry top...
Bronze
Late 18th Century Swedish Pine Gustavian Country Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish gustavian table in the authentic country style made durning the late 1700s. The table is an unusual model with two floating drawers in the rim. The drawers are originally wit...
Pine
A 19th Century English butler tray on stand
Located in Delft, NL
A 19th Century English butler tray on stand A 19th Century butler tray on stand, made in England. The tray with kidney shaped open h...
Wood
$2,200 / set
H 20.25 in W 30.5 in D 23 in
Late 20th C. Regency Style Yew Wood Removable Tray On Table Stand
By Maitland Smith
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., A beautifully crafted antique-style tray table, combining intricate woodworking with classic design elements. The tabletop is made of richly figured burl wood, featuring a s...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price|67% Off
H 30 in W 13 in D 13 in
18th Century Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Urn Candle Stand Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This 18th Century Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Urn Candle Stand Table is a superb example of Georgian-era craftsmanship and refined design. Made from richly grained mahogany,...
Mahogany
19th Century Red Paper Mache Tray on Custom Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Early paper mâché tray with custom made wood stand all in a desirable deep red or ox blood color, having four faux bamboo legs and cross stretchers. Tray decorated in well worn gilt,...
Paper
$1,700
H 18.31 in W 30.44 in D 22.45 in
An English Hand-painted Papier-mâché Tray on Later Stand, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An English Hand-painted Papier-mâché Tray on Later Stand, 19th Century Description: The tray is made of lacquered papier-mâché, a common material for decorative household items in t...
Wood, Lacquer
$1,800
H 19 in W 26 in D 19 in
Late 19th Century Tole Decorated Tray on Later Ebonized and Gilded Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
The tole tray painted in America, circa 1850 is sweet and charming showing sprays of Daisies amidst vining flowers and leaves. Painted in warm yellows and whites on a black ground th...
Metal
Late 18th Century Swedish Tray Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Late 18th century Swedish tray table. The table is decorated with wooden carvings. A fun detail is the painting on the table top is upside down when its folded up. The table is sligh...
Pine
$2,850
H 36 in W 28.5 in D 19 in
19th Century English Tray on Stand Mahogany Side Table with X-Form Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English tray on stand mahogany side table from the 19th century. This elegant English mahogany side table from the 19th century features a versatile removable tray top, combining ...
Mahogany
$2,660Sale Price|46% Off
H 19.5 in W 22 in D 26 in
Regency Black and Gilt Papier Mache Lacquer Tray with Later Stand, 19th Century
By Henry Clay
Located in Spencertown, NY
The Chinoiserie decorated black and gilt rectangular tray stamped on the reverse "Clay, King St. Covent Garden.”.
Lacquer
English Tole Red Serving Tray on a Later Stand
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
Pheromonal antique tomato red chinoiserie tray on a later painted tray.
Metal