ALL ABOUT HEREND

ALL ABOUT HEREND
HEREND PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY LTD.
HUNGARY

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Preface
The unique chinaware of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. made
with special workmanship is available in over fifty countries around the
world. Porcelain-lovers identify standards of artistic excellence and
impeccable quality with the Herend brand name.
What makes Herend porcelain unique and different from the products of
other makers?
• High-quality manufacturing technology
• Handpainting
• Rich selection of forms and décors
• Life-time guarantee of replacement pieces
• Capability to produce custom-made pieces to satisfy special requests
(bespoke service)
• Prominent customers
• 180 years of professional expertise and continuous innovation
• Herend is the biggest and one of the most successful manufactories in
Europe
1. The Birth and History of Herend
When did the Herend manufactory start?
The manufactory was founded in 1826 by Vince Stingl in the town of Herend
near Lake Balaton, the biggest lake in Central Europe. In the early years the
ceramics workshop turned out earthenware and focused on research work for
porcelain development. It was not until 1839, when ownership of the
manufactory passed to Mór Fischer, that real porcelain-making began. It
continues to be the main profile of the manufactory to this very day. While
kaolin, the main ingredient of porcelain, was not to be found in the Bakony Hills
(where Herend is situated), there was plenty of firewood needed to stoke the
kilns.
Herend: Royal Purveyor by Appointment to the House of Habsburg
Herend won a prize at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London and has since been
the beneficiary of royal and aristocratic patronage. In 1872, Mór Fischer, then
owner of the Herend manufactory, was appointed purveyor to the Royal and
Imperial Court.
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Herend and the World’s Fairs
World’s Fairs had become synonymous with economic prosperity in Europe by
the late 19 th century. The latest technologies and industrial machinery were
showcased on such occasions, and the art, objects and works of art, of different
nations were made accessible to the public at large. Herend always made a point
of being present at these events, which earned numerous awards.
How many people work at the porcelain manufactory?
The total number of people employed at Herend approaches the 950 mark.
Among them are 420 painters and 100 throwers (who do the piercing and the
hand moulding). As regards the number of workers Herend is the biggest
porcelain manufactory in Europe.
2. Raw Materials and Manufacturing Process
The raw materials of Herend porcelain are:
Kaolin, feldspar and quartz. The latter two increase the translucency of
porcelain. Since these materials are not found in and around Herend, they are
imported from Limoges, France. Herend’s secret lies in the paste used to make
the porcelain. The aim is to make the thinnest, whitest, lightest and finest
products possible.
What is Herend’s system of master craftsmen?
First introduced in the German town of Nuremberg in the 15 th century, the
system of ranking artisans served the training of master craftsmen. At the time
of the Industrial Revolution in 19 th -century England the system fell into disuse
in most countries. At Herend, however, this medieval tradition has lived on and
continues to serve the training of talented new “heirs” as well as the
safeguarding of traditional technology.
Master Painter (a master in painting)
The title of “Master Painter” is awarded to those graduates of the 3-year course
of the manufactory’s own vocational school who have years of professional
practice and have passed the “master exam”.
Candidates for Master Painter (those preparing for the master painter exam)
This title is granted to painters who have excelled with their achievement and
talent. They are entitled to sign the items they have painted. Candidates for
Master Painter produce unique and special objects which require great expertise
and experience.
Master thrower (a master in throwing)
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Similarly to master painters, throwers too are to pass a professional exam if they
are to attain the title of master thrower. In order to pass this exam, examinees are
required to know all the theoretical and practical techniques involved in
throwing: manual pressing, throwing, sticking (tableware, ornaments, figurines),
manual moulding (flower-making), piercing, (basket) weaving.
The main activities of throwers:
1. manual forming (flower-making)
Making roses, carnations and all sorts of other flowers, leaves and stems. A
good example of this sort of work is the bud handle on the lid of tea or coffee
pots. Rosebuds of this kind are made from a few petals in a matter of seconds
by experienced throwers.
2. manual pressing
This is the oldest manufacturing technique. The paste is thrown by hand into
the plaster mould (negative), is pressed and removed. This technique is used
for making fruit, for example.
3. basket weaving
Long strips of paste fondly called spaghetti are placed side by side on a
plaster mould. The thus woven basket is very elaborate and fragile, a true
Herend special.
4. piercing
Piercing is a method whereby little holes or windows are cut with a sharp
two-edged knife in the already moulded but only half-dry paste. As the piece
is not completely dry yet, it is very fragile, so great caution is needed during
handling. While some pieces need no more than 15-20 minutes to complete,
others may take a whole day to pierce.
5. double wall
A method frequently used for pieces such as tea cups. So that pierced objects
can also be used for practical purposes, an inner wall is placed within the
pierced outer wall. First the inner and outer cups are moulded and joined
before drying. Naturally, only the outer cup is pierced. The technique
requires great caution in order to prevent the cut away pieces of paste from
falling between the two walls of the cup. The Wales service is a typical
example of this kind of double-wall Herend product.
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The Process of Making Porcelain
MOULDING
THROWING
animal,
figurine,
soup bowl,
sauceboat,
etc
cup, saucer,
plate, etc.
biscuit firing
at 980 ◦ C
faulty items are
rejected, good ones
are approved
glost firing
at 1380 ◦ C
faulty items are
rejected, good ones are
approved
glazing
quality
control
quality
control
faulty items are
rejected, good
ones are approved
reparable
items are
repaired
painting
repeated (and final)
quality control in the
painting section
faulty items
are rejected
firing at
750-850 ◦ C
*the number of firings
depends on the type
of paint used
decoration
branding
final firing
at 680 ◦ C
*the last firing after
gilding
quality
control
only first class products
make the grade
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3. Types and Forms of Products
Herend products fall into the following seven categories:
1. services
Traditional European tea and coffee sets as well as dinner services, which range
from products for everyday usage to exotic pieces specially decorated with
Chinoiserie and Persian motifs.
2. gifts
Interior ornaments for tables, such as bonbonnieres, bowls and ashtrays with
lids.
3. ornaments
Wall plates, vases, cups, ornamental plates, etc. in traditional European style as
well as other styles influenced by Persian, Chinese and Japanese art.
4. animal figures
These figures make up a whole zoo of well-known and quite extraordinary
species. The figures are made in two styles: one in naturalistic style and the
other with Herend’s very own special scale pattern.
5. figurines
Human figures portrayed in European, Persian, Hungarian and Oriental styles.
6. jewellery
A variety of custom jewellery, figure pendants.
7. special objects
These may vary from a one-metre-diameter pierced platter, through a largerthan-human-size
vase or a double-walled flask, to unique pieces made for state
occasions or any other commemorative event.
The speciality of form
Herend has developed a tremendous variety of both sizes and forms as a result
of the wide spectrum of customers it has received and served from Europe and
all over the world. This variety is further enhanced by old forms being
modernized. Herend’s current storehouse of forms comprises some 15,000
pieces, which is expected to grow year by year. The forms adhere to stylistic
features of different periods of art, such as Baroque, Rococo, Empire or Art
Nouveau. Products in the Persian and Chinese style make up another numerous
group, displaying manufacturing traits not characteristic of other brands.
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4. Painting
Is all Herend porcelain handpainted?
Absolutely. No exception. The overwhelming majority of Herend painters learn
their trade at the manufactory’s own school. Following the three-year course the
painters specialize in different styles and motifs, each one according to his or her
skills. The different branches of painting have traditionally covered figure
painting, Chinese and Japanese style décors, fruit painting and varieties of
flower painting. In each department a painter will paint a given motif from start
to finish. Gilding may be an exception to this rule, as it is usually done at a later
stage, depending on the pattern, in a gilding studio. Most of the décors are
painted within outlines. The outlines are meant to ensure that the patterns are the
same size and form irrespective of the painter and the time of painting. The
painters draw the outlines with metal-tipped pens and subsequently apply the
different colour paints.
How many times is a product fired after painting?
Depending on the type of décor some products are fired only once, while others
need various firings. This is necessary because a décor may consist of varying
paints that have to be fired at different temperatures. The painting process
begins with paints that burn at a high temperature, and the “firing-painting”
cycle is repeated as many times as necessary.
What kinds of firing techniques are used at Herend?
They are the following:
1. over glaze
In this method the already fired and glazed surface is painted and refired at
approx. 820C. Practically all décors are made this way.
2. in-glaze
This method is similar to the over glaze method up to the point where the
already fired and glazed surface is painted. In the case of “in-glaze” technique,
however, the firing temperature is 1250C and as a result the paint blends into the
glaze. The method is used for only a number of patterns.
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5. Décors
Even apparently identical décors can be different.
Due to the fact that all items are individually handpainted, minor alterations are
noticeable. Such an example can be the colour of the rose handles, one of
several cases when the personality of a painter becomes manifest. In other
words, a piece of Herend porcelain can thus become unique in the world.
Meticulous attention is devoted to quality control. For a product to pass all the
checks it has to satisfy a surprisingly great number of conditions. This quality
assurance system was certified ISO9001* in 1994.
* ISO9001 is an international quality assurance and management system certificate
How many Herend décors are there?
Over two thousand. The technological description as well as the blueprint of all
the décors is kept in the archives.
Why are Herend patterns so varied?
Herend has acquired the stylistic features of the European cultural heritage,
which is emphatically reflected in its décors. The Herend trademark is a
combination of light-hearted Mediterranean, sophisticated French, robust
German and the cutely simple but smart Habsburg style (Biedermeier). Persian
and Chinese-style décors enhance originality, the unique nature of the art that is
the manufactory’s own.
Is “Chinoiserie” a Herend specialty?
Chinoiserie goes back a long time in Europe. The 19 th century witnessed the
awakening of interest towards the world outside of Europe, and the fledgling
manufactory at Herend, understandably swayed by the prevailing trends, delved
into the world of Chinoiserie.
Who is the little Chinaman on the cup handles?
We call this figure a mandarin, a word for a Chinese government official in
former times. How it was born is not known to this very day; in all probability it
is a Herend special. It may be assumed that Mór Fischer saw many Chinese
figures at the World’s Fairs he frequented, and he playfully merged those with a
Chinese-style décor. The humorous faces of these little figures certainly puts a
smile on everybody else’s face.
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Typical patterns
VBO: This is the décor Queen Victoria first saw and immediately purchased at
the 1851 Great Exhibition. This earned Herend overnight recognition
worldwide. As well as winning the Grand Prix at that world’s fair, Herend was
flooded with orders from the English aristocracy. This décor is still the most
sought after in Britain where it honours many an upper-class family’s table.
RO: This décor was named after the Rothschild family, who first ordered it in
1850. As the Rothschilds invested a great deal in Herend, it is fair to assume that
they ranked among the manufactory’s VIP clients. Legend has it that Baroness
Rothschild’s lost necklace was found twined around the branch of a tree, which
is what the décor depicts. The other legendary figure associated with this décor
is the late Princess Diana, who chose this service for her wedding day.
AV, AF: Based on the Fleurs de Indes décor, this pattern was created for Count
Apponyi of Hungary, who ordered a new dinner service from Herend with the
utmost urgency to be able to attend his guests in good style. Being equal to the
task was no mean challenge for the manufactory, which came up with a simpler
version of the Fleurs des Indes pattern as a final solution. This way the count’s
whim indirectly gave birth to this later highly popular décor. In fact, according
to some sources, even the Habsburgs ordered porcelain with this pattern.
TCA: This splendid décor incorporating adaptations of Persian miniatures was
first made in the 1870s for the Shah of Persia. It is such an intricate pattern that
it needs to be fired five times before it is ready. A whole dinner service takes
two full months to make. The combination of Turkish blue and scarlet gives it a
real Oriental air. Part of its full name, Tupini dates back to Roman times, when
it was an ancient family name. This décor has enjoyed great popularity for a
long time.
PO: “Poissons” means fish in French. Fish, especially carp, is a motif that
symbolizes good luck in China and is, therefore, frequently used in art. The
Chinese objects that arrived in Europe from the 18 th century on were richly
decorated with fish, which is something Herend adapted and made famous in the
1850s.
G: This décor, bearing the notable influence of the Kakiemon style, consists
mainly of a combination of pine, bamboo and plum blossom, the “three friends
of the cold season” in China. It was first made in 1849 as the first Herend
Chinoiserie pattern and was named after the Gödöllő Mansion in Hungary. It
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was there that that the dinner service with this décor, given as a gift to Queen
Elisabeth by Emperor Franz Joseph, was first used.
VH: The starting point for this décor, first handcrafted in the 1860s, was the
reproduction of Chinese enamelwork. All the individual strokes of the scale-like
pattern are handpainted. VH figurine collectors abound in both Europe and
America, including the late Princess Diana and movie star Arnold
Schwarzenegger.
6. Briefly about Herend
How is Herend different from other brands?
If we classify porcelain according to how it is painted (i.e. handpainted or
transferred), Herend belongs to the handpainted category, which is less and less
common nowadays. One of Herend’s main features is its wide variety of
Chinoiserie patterns. While it has a whole series of these, many of its other
European-style patterns also betray a strong Chinese or Japanese influence. This
may be put down to the Hungarians’ Asian roots as well as the age when the
manufactory was founded, as these were prevailing fashions in the 19 th century.
As part of the Habsburg cultural sphere, furthermore, Herend produced
characteristically rich decorations and a wide variety of pieces. Other brands,
such as English porcelain for instance which reflects the English cultural
heritage, are far less opulent as regards forms. Herend, on the other hand, is a
true reflection of the cultures that belonged to the world of the Habsburgs.
What does the inscription on the underside mean?
Since the factory was founded in 1826 over 60 hallmarks, including ones only
introduced on special occasions, have been used. The current hallmark has been
in use since the early 1960s. It bears the initials HP (Herend Porcelain) above
the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary. Beneath the hallmark figures the
product number, the décor name, and the date (year and month) of manufacture.
The next line contains the painter’s code (3 digits at most), which identifies the
craftsman who made the piece.
Can Herend porcelain be purchased anywhere in the world?
Herend porcelain is sold in some 60 countries around the world. Herend often
manufactures exclusive products available only in a given country. The
manufactory strives to satisfy as wide a circle of customers in a given place as
possible with its products and décors. In Hungary, there are ten brand shops,
three of which are in Budapest and the biggest one in Herend.
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Should I break a cup, can I get one single cup to replace it?
Yes, you can. You can purchase one if the type you need is in stock, otherwise
you can place an order, which will entail a few months’ wait. Bearing in mind
that Herend products are all handpainted, colours may vary slightly. Thank you
for your understanding.
Protection of the environment is high on Herend’s agenda…
Herend cannot turn a blind eye towards problems such as global warming, for
example. Nearer home, Herend is active in protecting the surroundings of the
manufactory, the health of the inhabitants and the state of nature in and around
the rich Bakony Hills. In order to diminish its industrial waste Herend has
installed its own disposal system, and has implemented a training programme to
encourage its workers to play an active part in protecting the environment. In
1996, this initiative was awarded the ISO 14001** certification. Particular
attention is paid to the paints used, with special regard to those that contain
cadmium and lead, which are harmful to health.
**ISO 14001:
environmental management system
ISO: (Geneva-based) International Organisation for Standardisation
Where is Herend?
The town of Herend is situated in the western part of Hungary, some 40 km
north of Lake Balaton. The place has now been granted city status despite its
relatively low population. The main attraction of Herend is the visitors’ centre
called Porcelanium, which houses a mini manufactory where visitors can
become familiar with the different work phases of making porcelain through live
demonstrations. Also part of Porcelanium is the Apicius Restaurant and Coffee
Shop, which rank among the best in Hungary and where the gourmet dishes are,
needless to say, served on Herend porcelain. The Herend Porcelain Museum
offers the most precious collection of Herend porcelain anywhere and boasts the
most outstanding collection of Herend antiques.
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Herend Chronology
Use of simple garlands and
scattered motifs
1826 The Herend Manufactory is founded
1837
1839
Mór Fischer takes over the management of the
manufactory
Bouquet de Herend 1842
First Applied Arts Exhibition in Hungary –
Herend is discovered
1843 Fire ravages the factory
1848
Gödöllő 1849
Rothschild Oiseaux 1850
Victoria avec bord doré
Poissons
1851
1848-49 freedom fight and revolution
Franz Joseph is crowned
The Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace,
London – Grand Prix
Queen Victoria orders a dinner service
Cubash 1862 The London World’s Fair
Vielle Rose d’Habsbourg
The old manufactory in Vienna is closed down,
1864
Persil
Herend inherits several décors
Macao
The Paris World’s Fair – silver medal
1867
Siang Noir
The OMM is created
Tupini Corne d’Abondance 1870
Fleurs des Indes 1870
Lichtenstein Bouquets de
Saxe
1872
Wales 1873
Jardin Mediterraneen 1880
Myosis 1890
Motifs Hongrois 1896
Fleurs au Ruban 1897
Budapest becomes one city as a result of the union
of Buda, Óbuda and Pest
The Vienna World’s Fair – prize for artistic
excellence
The Millennium (commemoration of 1000 years of
Hungarian statehood)
1899
Fraises en Lacis de Trainasse 1900 The Paris World’s Fair – Grand Prix
Fleurs des Champs 1901 The St.Petersbourg World’s Fair – Grand Prix
1914
1923 The manufactory becomes a joint stock company
Apponyi vert, orange 1931
1935 The Brussels World’s Fair – Grand Prix
1948 The manufactory becomes state property
1993
Herend becomes a joint stock company with 75 %
worker ownership
Schrammel figurines 1999 Porcelanium opens
2000 Reconstruction of the Herend Porcelain Museum
Victoria décor revamped 2001 175 th Jubilee celebrations
2002 Queensberry – Hunt Herend porcelain designs
Queen Victoria
ascends the throne
Biedermeier period
Revolutionary
wave sweeps
across Europe,
France and Vienna
War between
Prussia and France
The German
Empire is
proclaimed
Beginning of
Classicism as a
school of art
Beginning of Art
Nouveau in Vienna
World War I breaks
out
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