BING & GRØNDAHL COLLECTIBLES

THE WORLD’S FIRST CHRISTMAS PLATE

The idea of Christmas plate originated with Harald Bing, owner of Bing & Grøndahl, who hired Swedish artist Frans August Hallin to create the motif. Hallin’s technique of cutting the motif for the plate in relief created a very detailed expression. The first motif was the Copenhagen skyline. Only 400 copies of the plate were produced, but it became the start of a Christmas tradition that thousands of collectors anticipate with excitement every year. Later, more Collectibles have joined the series of Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl; the bell, drop, cup and more lovable items.

A piece of Danish cultural history

The Copenhagen night sky embellished with the finest ice crystals. “Behind the frozen window”, the world’s first Christmas plate, saw the light of day in 1895. It was made with exquisite craftsmanship by Bing & Grøndahl. Thirteen years later, in 1908, Royal Copenhagen launched their first Christmas plate featuring a motif of the Virgin Mary. Both series of collectibles have fascinated and attracted passionate collectors from around the world.

The stories that unfold on each Royal Copenhagen collectible are also tales of a deep love for the unique tradition in great craftsmanship. Each motif is meticulously brought to life through hundreds of little grooves, carvings and engravings that require the artist to have complete mastery of the craft. In fact, of all the products in Royal Copenhagen’s line, our collectibles are made with some of the most demanding and advanced manufacturing techniques. It is the only way to bring a great story to life.