The history of porcelain

The Pompadour champagne glass

A TOAST REMINISCENT OF THE PAST

The Pompadour champagne glass has an origin full of mythology and elegance. According to popular legend, its low, round shape was moulded from the bust of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV of France, in the 18th century. Although this story is more myth than reality, it helps to perpetuate the seductive and sophisticated image that has always accompanied this glass. Madame de Pompadour was known for her love for champagne, and her association with this bubbly drink helped to cement the relationship between the aristocracy and champagne.The true story behind the creation of the Pompadour glass is less romantic but still interesting. This glass was originally designed to serve champagne at the French court during the 17th century, long before modern winemaking techniques made champagne bubbles as we know them today popular. At that time, champagne was a quiet drink, without effervescence, and the wide, shallow shape of the glass allowed the aromas of the drink to be better appreciated.Throughout the 19th century, as the production of champagne with bubbles was perfected, the Pompadour glass became a symbol of elegance and luxury, present at European high society parties and celebrations. However, the large surface area of the glass was not ideal for preserving the bubbles, which eventually led to the creation of the flute glass, which helps to maintain the effervescence for longer. Even so, the Pompadour retained its place in champagne history, associated with style and refinement.Today, the Pompadour glass remains a champagne drinking choice for those seeking to recall the elegance of the past. Its classic aesthetic evokes images of Belle Époque parties, gilded Hollywood and elegant celebrations over the years. While not the most practical glass for today's champagne, it remains a timeless symbol of luxury and style.

The first linens on the table: how details changed the way we eat

Origin and evolution of the tablecloth and the napkin

White linen has become an indispensable material in both our projects and the decoration of our tables. We favour white due to its ability to adapt to any setting, its brightness, and the sense of purity it conveys. It acts as an elegant canvas that highlights the beauty of every element placed upon it, enhancing both the crockery and the accessories. From Tablecloth to Napkin The first tablecloths date back to Roman times and, interestingly, were also made of white linen. Back then, diners would sit aligned, sharing the tablecloth to clean their hands and mouths, which could be considered a precursor to the modern napkin.  «The Last Supper» by Dietric Bouts, 1464-1468. Part of a triptych in Saint Peter's Church.   The napkin has evolved and taken on various forms and functions over time, linked to culture, etiquette, and innovation in different civilisations. There are stories and legends attributing its creation to various historical figures, leading to an interesting debate about its true origin.   It is said that during the Middle Ages, in taverns, it was common to hang a cloth on the walls for customers to clean their hands while eating. However, it was after the French Revolution that Duke Jaques de Serviliet, upon opening his restaurant, introduced an innovation in table setting: each diner received their cutlery wrapped in a cloth, which not only protected the utensils but also served to wipe their hands during the meal. This marked a significant change in etiquette and the way formal dining spaces were organised.   Another theory regarding the origin of the napkin is linked to the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci. During his time as master of ceremonies and banquet organiser at the court of Ludovico Sforza, it is said that guests had rabbits tied to their chairs, which they used to clean their greasy fingers. Da Vinci, seeking a more elegant solution, proposed that each guest receive a personal cloth to clean their hands and knives. He wrote, "I have devised that each diner should have their own cloth, which, once soiled, can be folded to avoid dirtying the table and maintain the decorum of the dinner." However, his contemporaries did not appreciate the brilliance of this idea at the time, and its use did not become popular until much later.   Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci.     The Napkin: Etiquette and Refinement  A lesser-known curiosity is that during the Renaissance, napkins embroidered with family emblems or the initials of the host became a symbol of prestige among European nobility. Wealthy families competed to showcase the most elaborate and decorative napkins at banquets, not just as a practical item but also as a way to demonstrate power and wealth. This added detail to the refinement of tables helped consolidate the use of the napkin in formal settings.  Moreover, during the reign of Louis XIV of France in the 17th century, the monarch imposed strict rules of etiquette at the court of Versailles, one of which was the proper use of the napkin. At royal banquets, each guest was expected to place a large linen napkin on their lap during the meal. This protocol contributed to the dissemination of the napkin as an integral part of table service, establishing it as a symbol of refinement and elegance.   «Les buveurs de vin», Jacques Autreau, 1730.     We share the care of the table and the importance of details. Every small effort, from the tablecloth to the napkin, enhances not only the aesthetics but also the experience surrounding the meal, creating more meaningful and enjoyable moments for all present.

Porcelain from Karlskrona (Sweden)

from 1918 to 1968

The porcelain factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, operated from 1918 to 1968. Karlskrona Porslinsfabrik was founded by the German George Rickard Wiili who moved to Sweden in 1912.After working as an engineer at the nearby factory in Lidköping, he moved to Karlskrona where he decided to start his own factory. His idea was to import porcelain from England to sell in Sweden, however, due to the war, the company started decorating pieces imported from Germany. A year later, he decided to produce and decorate his own pieces.The first artistic director was Edward Hald, who brought a modern vision to the designs. Other well-known artists such as Alf Jarnestad and Erik Skawonius designed some of the pieces. In 1959, the United States awarded the factory a medal for the design of the "regina" coffee service by the then artistic director Walther Garstecki. The production rate reached 30,000 pieces per day and more than 500 different models with more than 7,000 different decorations were created.