Herend Porcelain occupies a singular place in the world of luxury European ceramics. The firm's vast range of figurines and distinctive patterns are visually striking and notably different from those of other major porcelain producers like Meissen or Sèvres. Whereas the latter tend to feature discrete decorative elements that appear to float on a white background, Herend favors large, bold designs for its porcelain, with its serving pieces, dishes and other works incorporating historical scenes, animals or vegetation.
Vince Stingl established what would become the Herend Porcelain Manufactory in 1826 in the town of Herend, Hungary, to produce earthenware. When he went bankrupt in the late 1830s, Mór Fischer, who took over, switched the focus from earthenware to porcelain to take advantage of the growing European market for fine china.
By 1849, Herend counted among its clients members of the Habsburg dynasty and the Hungarian aristocracy. Thanks to its participation in several important international exhibitions and fairs — including the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London, the 1853 Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York and the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris — its wares became a popular choice for courtly dining in the middle of the 19th century, and its patrons included Francis Joseph I of Austria and Queen Victoria of England, for whom its Viktória pattern was named.
The company foundered in the latter half of the 19th century under the leadership of Fischer’s two sons. But it was given new life, artistically and financially, when Fischer’s grandson, Jenő Farkasházy, himself a trained ceramist, took the helm around 1900. Farkasházy designed new patterns and revived classic ones. After World War II, Herend was nationalized by the Communist government but kept alive its tradition of skilled craftsmanship by continuing to produce its classic patterns. In 1993, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the factory was privatized once again and today is owned by its management and workers.
Authentic Herend animal figurines — their groupings of white rabbits, cats or pheasants — are often covered head to toe with the factory’s famed “fish-scale” pattern, also known as Vieux Herend, which produces the effect of a dense coat of feathers or fur. The fish-scale pattern also appears on this chocolate cup and saucer decorated in the Cornucopia pattern.
Find antique Herend porcelain on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Dish by Limoges, France
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain fish Dish from the French brand Limoges. The service is decorated with decration of fish. The Dish dates from around 1960. The porcelain is of a beautiful, refined quality....
Porcelain
$1,895
H 10 in W 17 in D 17 in
Large Vintage Herend Porcelain Rothschild Bird Pattern Centerpiece with Coy Fish
By Herend
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large vintage centerpiece was made by the well known Herend factory of Hungry and dates to April of 1993 and done in their highly decora...
Porcelain
$3,500 / set
H 1.25 in Dm 8.75 in
Set of 14 Antique French Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Fish Service, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of 14 Antique French "Martial Redon (M.R.)" Limoges porcelain fish service, Circa 1890's-1900's. Hand-painted gold, pink and white porcelai...
Porcelain
$1,800
H 1.5 in W 10 in D 6.75 in
Rare Herend Hungary Hand-Painted Porcelain Footed Vine Dish - Pheasant & Floral
By Herend
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A masterwork of 1960s Hungarian artistry, this Herend porcelain dish showcases the meticulous hand-painting and artisanal detail that have defined the manufactory since 1826. The vib...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Dish by Limoges France
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain fish dish from the French brand Limoges. The service is decorated with decration of fish. The Dish dates from around 1960. The porcelain is of a beautiful, refined quality....
Porcelain
$3,721 / set
H 0.99 in Dm 9.26 in
Limoges hand painted porcelain fish set, Grand Dépôt Paris, E.Bourgeois, XIXe
By E. Bourgeois
Located in Paris, FR
Sumptuous porcelain fish service, consisting of a serving platter and six matching plates, all hand-painted. This magnificent set is adorned with intricate aquatic scenes, featuring fish swimming in a natural setting of aquatic flowers. The plates and platter are delicately decorated with pastel colors, particularly shades of pink, blue, and violet, evoking a soft and elegant atmosphere. Each piece is unique, showcasing different compositions where the fish appear to glide harmoniously among aquatic plants. The edges of the plates and platter are richly decorated with embossed gold motifs, adding an extra touch of elegance to this already refined ensemble. The gold finishes around the rims highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and give the service a luxurious character. This fish service is an extraordinary piece, perfect for enhancing your table during refined dinners or as a collector's item. The delicate art of hand-painting and the quality of the porcelain reflect remarkable artisanal expertise. Add a touch of distinction to your meals with this service that combines both functionality and aesthetic beauty. "Le Grand Dépôt...
Gold
$3,839
H 1.19 in W 22.84 in D 11.62 in
Fish Dish Painted by Painted by Froment-Richard Creil & Montereau "Le Parisien"
By Creil et Montereau
Located in Paris, FR
This wonderful incredibly colorful fish dish was realized by Creil & Montereau earthenware circa 1880. It is representing "La pêche aux bébés" ("Fishing for Babys") Slightly chantourné shape, representing a couple fishing for babies in a lake at sunrise, the baby caught waiting for a square aquarium. Signed bottom left, "fr.richard" and Creil stamp on the back. Le Parisien set is telling the story of a young Parisian boy discovering the countryside, with many scenes so charming. Decorated with a brown rim enhanced with groups of three petals, the whole set depicts a fantastic and humorous universe with part of imaginary characters who cook and play with vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. This design set is the most famous of the factory Creil & Montereau, designed by the French artist and painter Antoine-Albert Richard (1845-1921) said "Froment-Richard". Book pictures...
Ceramic
Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Fish Platter
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fish platter is a true work of art! Classic Aesthetic Movement whimsical decoration with fish in motion and in conversation with the viewer, it has a three-dimensional feel. Rea...
Porcelain
$317
H 1.19 in W 16.54 in D 11.82 in
Mid Century Vintage Fishes Decorative Porcelain Plate, Bavaria, Germany, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative Fishes plate from Germany. Produced in 1970s. Every plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautiful piece fo...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass
$500Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.63 in W 12 in D 10.13 in
Herend Porcelain Queen Victoria Pattern Salad Bowl
By Herend
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Herend Porcelain Queen Victoria Pattern Salad Bowl. It depicts a square bowl decorated with colorful small bouquets of flowers and but...
Porcelain
Herend Hand-Painted Hungarian Porcelain Figurine Representing a Woodcutter
By Herend
Located in Cagliari, IT
Exquisite figurine representing a woodcutter. Beautiful details of ax and towel. Modern. Since 1826, Herend's factory has been one of the most famous centres for the production ...
Porcelain
Herend "Esterházy" 39-Piece Hand Painted Porcelain Tea Service, Hungary, Modern
By Herend
Located in Cagliari, IT
Exceptional tea set consisting of: a teapot, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, twelve tea cups with saucers, twelve cake saucers. Painted and hand-worked: note the lace-like fretworks on po...
Porcelain
Herend Hand-Painted Hungarian Porcelain Figurine Representing a Fruit Vendor
By Herend
Located in Cagliari, IT
Exquisite figurine representing a tropical fruit vendor. Beautiful details of bananas and pineapple. Modern. Since 1826, Herend's factory has been one of...
Porcelain
Herend Modern Figure Venetian Mask Hand-Painted Porcelain
By Gyorgy Farkasréti
Located in Cagliari, IT
Herend Hungarian hand-painted porcelain figure depicting a Venetian mask, decorated with a motif of flowers, birds and butterflies; decor ZO. Exemplary 1...
Porcelain
20th Century Hand-Made Sterling Silver Oval Bowl by Ilario Pradella, Italy, 1980
By Gianmaria Buccellati, Ilario Pradella 1
Located in Cagliari, IT
Wonderful oval centerpiece made in sterling silver by Ilario Pradella for Bellezza Cagliari. New, never used. This centerpiece was personally designed by Gianmaria Buccelati who, by...
Sterling Silver
Ginori Luke Edward Hall's "Il Viaggio di Nettuno" Set of Two Small Bowls, 2023
By Luke Edward Hall, Richard Ginori
Located in Cagliari, IT
The "Il Viaggi di Nettuno" pattern is inspired by Luke Edward Hall’s love of Greco-Roman mythology, and particularly Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and...
Porcelain
