Many of our amazing Herend fans asked about the difference between the two classical shapes of Herend Porcelain: Osier and Rocaille. In this article, we will introduce the shape of both of these popular shapes of Herend Dinnerware and also explain in a step-by-step guide how a Herend piece is made in Hungary.
If you cannot find a piece or a shape you can always contact us via email: info@herend or call 416-850-8929 or chat with us at herend.ca
Rocaille Shape
The Rocaille shape combines the popular element of Rococo with the options provided by the porcelain material.
The stylized, shell-imitating motif harmoniously fits with many patterns enhancing their aesthetic beauty. The gracefully arched reliefs combined with the classic wicker motif make up a collection that enjoys great popularity all over the world. Those who specially want to enjoy the wider shape assortment beyond the beauty of patterns choose Rocaille. This is shape is more popular in the US, where almost all stores only sells this shape.
Osier Shape
The Osier – wicker-style – shape is one of the Porcelain Manufactory’s best-known and most popular collections. The border relief reminding basket weaving was a popular decorative element of the Baroque: it was often used by almost all European porcelain manufactories on their products. Following this style, products decorated this way have already been made in the Manufactory since the beginning, and becoming the collection with the widest selection they still play a dominant role. Those who like classic shapes find in them all the beauty that has characterized the European porcelain production for centuries. This shape-style is popular in Europe and also available at our e-shop.
Did you know?!
The bestseller classic decors are available in BOTH Osier and Rocaille pieces.
How do Herend produces different shapes?
Each Herend dinnerware item starts with a mixture of the ingredients of the porcelain: made of kaolin, quartz and feldspar. The porcelain mixture is poured or pressed into a mold which has either the Rocaille or Osier shape. Each piece is then fired in a kiln for the first time. After the first firing, the plate is inspected by an experienced Herend In-Production Quality Control Inspector. If a piece does not meet the quality standards it is destroyed.
The good pieces that pass the first inspection move on to the next stage of production and are individually hand-dipped in a white glaze before being fired for the second time. Following the second kiln firing, each glazed plate that is now smooth and shiny is inspected for the second time. Again, any piece that fails inspection is destroyed while the good pieces that pass inspection move onto the painting department.
In the painting department, each Herend dinnerware pieces are hand-painted by highly skilled and experienced artisans. After each color application, the Herend dinnerware pieces piece is fired again until all the needed colors are applied. Upon the completion of painting, the 24 karat gold accents are added to the Herend item before it is inspected by the Foreman of the Painting Department. Any minor flaws are fixed and any Herend plate that fail to pass the inspection are destroyed.
The Herend trademark is then affixed to the bottom of the porcelain piece that pass inspection before they are fired in the kiln for the final time. One final inspection is done after the last firing to make sure the finished piece is of the highest quality and ready to leave the Herend factory to Herend Canada’s warehouse in Toronto, ON.
