Danish Porcelain House - New, retro, antique and vintage

Desiree - H. C. Andersen

106 products
50+ years of experience Fast and Safe Delivery

Here you can find a complete list of the Desiree Porcelain, like Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Plates, and Annual Cup and Saucer, Mothers Day plates etc.

Read the whole story about the Desiree porcelain factory here.

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Desiree Denmark - Old Copenhagen Blue

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A quiet moment
 1985, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
A quiet moment
 1985, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
A quiet moment 1985, Desiree Mot...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1985 Year: 1985 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Annual bell -53%
1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 8.36
Before: USD 17.82
Item no: DKL1995 Year: 1995 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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Little friends 1977, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Little friends 1977, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Little friends 1977, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1977 Year: 1977 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
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Flowers for mother 1973, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Flowers for mother 1973, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Flowers for mother 1973, Desiree Mot...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1973 Year: 1973 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
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A surprise 1975, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
A surprise 1975, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
A surprise 1975, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1975 Year: 1975 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Springtime 1989, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Springtime 1989, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Springtime 1989, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 11.98
Before: USD 24.23
Item no: DM1989 Year: 1989 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Fir Tree - 1973 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
The Fir Tree - 1973 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
-70%
The Fir Tree - 1973 Desiree Hans Chri...
USD 8.36
Before: USD 27.85
Item no: DX1973 Year: 1973 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Snow Man - 1977 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
The Snow Man - 1977 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
-70%
The Snow Man - 1977 Desiree Hans...
USD 8.36
Before: USD 27.85
Item no: DX1977 Year: 1977 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Bell - 1986 Desiree Christmas Hans Christian Andersen plate, cake plate
The Bell - 1986 Desiree Christmas Hans Christian Andersen plate, cake plate
-34%
The Bell - 1986 Desiree Christmas ...
USD 21.72
Before: USD 32.86
Item no: DX1986 Year: 1986 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Old Farmhouse - 1993 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Old Farmhouse - 1993 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-37%
The Old Farmhouse - 1993 Desiree Ha...
USD 27.71
Before: USD 44.00
Item no: DX1993 Year: 1993 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Everything in Its Right Place - 1995 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
Everything in Its Right Place - 1995 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-40%
Everything in Its Right Place - 1995 ...
USD 32.86
Before: USD 55.14
Item no: DX1995 Year: 1995 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1984-K Year: 1984 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1992 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1992 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1992 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 30.64
Item no: DK1992 Year: 1992 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 30.64
Item no: DK1995 Year: 1995 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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Bunch of flowers for mother 1970, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Bunch of flowers for mother 1970, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Bunch of flowers for mother 1970, Desir...
USD 41.78
Item no: DM1970 Year: 1970 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
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Meeting in the meadow 1986, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Meeting in the meadow 1986, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Meeting in the meadow 1986, De...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1986 Year: 1986 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Old Street Lamp - 1979 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
The Old Street Lamp - 1979 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
-71%
The Old Street Lamp - 1979 Desiree Ha...
USD 6.54
Before: USD 22.28
Item no: DX1979 Year: 1979 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Uttermost Parts of The Sea - 1981 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate -70%
The Uttermost Parts of The Sea - 1981 ...
USD 8.36
Before: USD 27.85
Item no: DX1981 Year: 1981 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Story of the Year - 1983 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Story of the Year - 1983 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-49%
The Story of the Year - 1983 Desire...
USD 18.03
Before: USD 35.79
Item no: DX1983 Year: 1983 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Thumbelina - 1987 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
Thumbelina - 1987 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
Thumbelina - 1987 Desiree Hans Chri...
USD 59.88
Item no: DX1987 Year: 1987 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Two Baronesses - 1999 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Two Baronesses - 1999 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-37%
The Two Baronesses - 1999...
USD 27.71
Before: USD 44.00
Item no: DX1999 Year: 1999 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
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1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1982 Year: 1982 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1983-K Year: 1983 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1984 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1984 Year: 1984 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1987 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1987 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1987 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1987 Year: 1987 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1988 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1988 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1988 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1988-K Year: 1988 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
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1989 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1989 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1989 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1989 Year: 1989 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1990 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1990 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1990 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1990-K Year: 1990 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1991 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1991 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1991 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1991 Year: 1991 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1994 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1994 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-66%
1994 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 7.66
Before: USD 22.28
Item no: DK1994-K Year: 1994 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-51%
1995 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 11.00
Before: USD 22.28
Item no: DK1995-K Year: 1995 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1996 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1996 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1996 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 27.85
Item no: DK1996-K Year: 1996 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
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1997 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1997 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1997 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 27.85
Item no: DK1997-K Year: 1997 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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2000 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
2000 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
2000 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 36.21
Item no: DK2000 Year: 2000 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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Mother's love 1971, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Mother's love 1971, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Mother's love 1971, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 18.10
Item no: DM1971 Year: 1971 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
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Dreams 1978,  Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Dreams 1978,  Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Dreams 1978, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 5.92
Before: USD 12.11
Item no: DM1978 Year: 1978 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Daily duties 1981, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Daily duties 1981, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
Daily duties 1981, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1981 Year: 1981 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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My best friend 1982, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
My best friend 1982, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-51%
My best friend 1982, Desiree Mother's D...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1982 Year: 1982 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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1983-1987 Old Copenhagen Blue Plates 5 pcs, Desiree Mother's Day plates. Designed by Mads Stage
1983-1987 Old Copenhagen Blue Plates 5 pcs, Desiree Mother's Day plates. Designed by Mads Stage
-70%
1983-1987 Old Copenhagen Blue ...
USD 16.71
Before: USD 55.70
Item no: DM1983-87 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The complete angler 1987, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
The complete angler 1987, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-41%
The complete angler 1987, Desiree Mot...
USD 6.54
Before: USD 11.14
Item no: DM1987 Year: 1987 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The spring excursion 1990, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
The spring excursion 1990, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-22%
The spring excursion 1990, Desiree Mot...
USD 21.72
Before: USD 27.85
Item no: DM1990 Year: 1990 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Walking at the beach 1991, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
Walking at the beach 1991, Desiree Mother's Day plate Svend Jensen of Denmark
-26%
Walking at the beach 1991, Desiree Mot...
USD 16.57
Before: USD 22.28
Item no: DM1991 Year: 1991 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep - 1974 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep - 1974 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
-71%
The Shepherdess and the Chimney S...
USD 6.54
Before: USD 22.28
Item no: DX1974 Year: 1974 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Ugly Duckling - 1975 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
The Ugly Duckling - 1975 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate
-70%
The Ugly Duckling - 1975 Desiree Hans...
USD 8.36
Before: USD 27.85
Item no: DX1975 Year: 1975 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Last Dream of The Old Oak Tree - 1978 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate -70%
The Last Dream of The Old Oak Tree ...
USD 9.05
Before: USD 30.22
Item no: DX1978 Year: 1978 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Nightingale - 1984 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Nightingale - 1984 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-49%
The Nightingale - 1984 Desiree Hans...
USD 16.57
Before: USD 32.86
Item no: DX1984 Year: 1984 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Old House - 1989 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Old House - 1989 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-34%
The Old House - 1989 Desiree Hans...
USD 21.72
Before: USD 32.86
Item no: DX1989 Year: 1989 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Windmill - 1991 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Windmill - 1991 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-34%
The Windmill - 1991 Desiree Hans Chri...
USD 21.72
Before: USD 32.86
Item no: DX1991 Year: 1991 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Round Tower - 1992 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Round Tower - 1992 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-37%
The Round Tower - 1992 Desiree Hans...
USD 27.71
Before: USD 44.00
Item no: DX1992 Year: 1992 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Pearls on a String - 1994 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
Pearls on a String - 1994 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-37%
Pearls on a String - 1994 Desiree Hans...
USD 27.71
Before: USD 44.00
Item no: DX1994 Year: 1994 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Fairytale of My Life - 1997 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Fairytale of My Life - 1997 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-34%
The Fairytale of My Life - 1997 Desiree...
USD 21.72
Before: USD 32.86
Item no: DX1997 Year: 1997 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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The Royal Castle "Fredensborg" - 2001 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
The Royal Castle "Fredensborg" - 2001 Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plate, cake plate
-37%
The Royal Castle "Fredensborg" - 20...
USD 27.71
Before: USD 44.00
Item no: DX2001 Year: 2001 Measurement: Ø: 19 cm
In stock
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Complete centerpiece 2-layer, consisting of showed Desiree Hans Christian Andersen plates, fittings, etc.
Complete centerpiece 2-layer, consisting of showed Desiree Hans Christian Andersen plates, fittings, etc.
-13%
Complete centerpiece 2-layer...
USD 66.28
Before: USD 76.03
Item no: 8920 Measurement: H: 23 cm x Ø: 23 cm
In stock
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Lamp by Désirée Denmark, Stoneware no. 2009
Lamp by Désirée Denmark, Stoneware no. 2009
Lamp by Désirée Denmark, Stonewa...
USD 178.59
Item no: D2009-F-L Measurement: H: 29 cm x W: 10 cm x D: 10 cm
In stock
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1970-1980 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Jubilee plate
1970-1980 Desiree Svend Jensen Han...
USD 35.72
Item no: DJ1980 Year: 1980 Measurement: Ø: 23 cm
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1980-1990 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Jubilee plate
1980-1990 Desiree Svend Jensen Han...
USD 55.14
Item no: DJ1990 Year: 1990 Measurement: Ø: 23 cm
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1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1982 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1982-K Year: 1982 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1983 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1983 Year: 1983 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup with saucer
1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 25.07
Item no: DK1985 Year: 1985 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Christian Andersen Christmas cup
-67%
1985 Desiree Svend Jensen Hans Chris...
USD 5.43
Before: USD 16.71
Item no: DK1985-K Year: 1985 Measurement: H: 7 cm x Ø: 9 cm
In stock
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Desiree mother's day plates and cups

The story of Desirée Svend Jensen - Old Copenhagen Blue

The Désirée porcelain factory was founded by Engineer H. C. Torbol in 1964. Prior to starting his own production, Mr. Thorbol was the managing director of Bing & Grondahl and the porcelain factory Norden in Copenhagen for some years.

The Désirée porcelain factory was from it's beginning located in Ringsted, Denmark, in beautiful surroundings by the old village Benloese. 

Benloese is an outer area that is now a part of the city Ringsted. Back in the days the city got its name because of its location near the great Benedictine monastery, that was part of the big and beautiful Church of St. Bendt, which is the oldest brick church in Scandinavia and it dates as far back as around 1170 A.D.

The lovely, rural surroundings has always been an important contributions for the inspiration that was required in developing the factory's many products.

When Desiree set out in 1964/65, they produced primarily stoneware products for instance tableware, lamps and vases. Many people still remember the factory's first tableware Selandia, which was very popular for decades and widely spread in Danish homes. This tableware is known for its cylindrical shape and the engobe decoration in iron colors applied directly to the off-white color underneath the glaze.

Later followed the patterns Thule, Diskos, North Sea ( Vesterhav) and Jutlandia, all stoneware patterns and all with underglaze decoration.

 

Desiree Denmark - Old Copenhagen Blue Although stoneware was very popular during the 60's and 70's, Desiree took up the challenge of producing porcelain, in spite of the fact that production was made in Denmark, renowned for its porcelain tradition. The result was that the first Mother's Day plate was produced in 1970, and later the same year the first Christmas plate was released.

The beginning of the plates

Desiree's Mother's Day plates took their motifs from the world of children. In total 25 different plates were released with different motifs depicting this charming and fascinating world, we have all experienced. Among others where Maggi Baaring, Nulle Oigaard, Mads Stage, and Svend Otto S., who are some of Denmark's finest artists who have contributed motifs for these plates.

When Désirée introduced porcelain and the renowned technique underglazing in their production, it was used for the Mother's Day plates, and the porcelain Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Chrismas plate.

The blue underglaze technique was invented by the very famous designer Arnold Krog working at the Royal Porcelain Factory during the 1880's and this technique gained admiration as well as world fame at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1888 in the very same exhibition, where the French introduced the Eiffel Tower. Bing & Grondahl used this technique in the introduction of the first Bing and Grondahl Christmas plate in 1895, and they were soon followed by the Royal Porcelain Factory, with their introduction of the first Royal Copenhagen christmas plate in 1908. In 1970 Desiree followed their lead.

At first Desiree primarily marketed their Mother's Day and Christmas plates on the US market, where they became known under the name Desiree Svend Jensen.

Desiree Hans Christian Andersen Christmas plates were, from the beginning and right up till its end in 2002, inspired by the famous fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen

Also a series of Christmas Cup and Saucer with the same motifs as the Christmas plates was issued. This series started in 1982 and ended in 1998. 
Desiree Christmas Plates with Hans Christian Andersen Motifs
From the mid 70's Knud Thorbol took over the management of the Desiree factory and for the following years a wide range of products were developed by Lis and Knud Torboel among others the white tableware Polar.

After introducing porcelain and the blue underglaze technique in the Desiree company in the 1970's a wide range of popular tableware was designed by Lis Torboel and introduced in the company's product range. Examples of this tabletop are Mistletoe, Scandinavia and Springtime, all very popular at the time, and all produced in the hand painted underglaze technique.

During the 1970's Denmark housed a large number of porcelain manufacturers. In addition to the two leading companies, Bing & Grondahl and Royal Copenhagen, there were Kronjyden, Knabstrup, Soeholm, Eslau and Désiree. During the 1980's and 90's the number of companies producing porcelain was reduced, partly because of the increasing Danish wages and partly because producers from countries such as China and countries in Eastern Europe introduced their products. Production costs were much lower in these countries and consequently their products could be sold at a much lower price.

The two large porcelain manufacturers Bing & Grondahl and Royal Copenhagen merged in 1987. The smaller porcelain manufacturers had to close, among these Désiree and Eslau were the last survivors, but both had to close down production in Denmark soon after the turn of the millenium. Part of their production was continued in foreign countries.

Desiree Christmas Plates with Hans Christian Andersen Motifs

Experience the making of Désirée Denmark porcelain plates

For the Désirée plate to become the beautiful little plate of art we know, it had to undergo a long range of different processes. Before any of the plates were offered in stores, they had to be handled by many different people. However, not all items got that far.

Follow the plate's way from clay to porcelain plate through the photos below:

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

After having mixed the minerals kaolin, feldspar and quarts with water until a cream-like substance was achieved, water was removed under high pressure in a filter press.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

What was left was a filter mass with a water content of 18-20 %. This mass could be cast into plates and other items.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

To cast plates Desiree used plaster moulds. The Danish porcelain manufacturer was particularly known for their Mother's day plates and Christmas plates with motifs in blue under-glaze decoration.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

The motifs of the plates were hand carved as relief in a plaster mould, which was used for the production. This handicraft requires extensive knowledge by the artist drawing the motif and by the person modelling it. Applying this to the plaster mould as a hand carved relief was no easy task.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

From the hand carved original mould, the work moulds were made. Only a limited number of plates could be produced from each work mould. The mould then had to be discarded.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

Now the casting of the plates could begin. At this time the clay had been through a process of removing air pockets under vacuum. The moist clay was pressed into the shape of the clay cylinders as seen on the photo above. Then a slice of clay was cut off and placed on the plaster mould, which was then rotated.

During rotation the slice of clay was rolled out between the plaster mould and the so called roller head. This is the process which shapes the plate from the wet clay.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

After the plate was shaped, it went through a drying process. Still in the plaster mould it was controlled carefully, to make sure that all details in the motif was copied from the plaster mould to the clay.

Only the very best plates got through this inspection, and a large number had to be destroyed. Before the plates were sent on in the process, the edge was rounded off in a trimming process.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

The approved plates were then burned for the first time at a temperature of 940 degrees Celcius. When taken out of the oven, they were checked once again for possible cracks.

When they had passed this test, they were stamped at the bottom with the company trademark. This stamp included the manufacturer's name, the name of the plate's motif, the designer's name and the initials of the lady, who painted the plate. At the front side of the plate, the production year of the plate was stated underneath the motif.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

Now the very demanding underglaze decoration began.

This decoration was carried out by ladies with years of experience in this very unique skill. The ladies added and removed colour again and again to achieve a varying layer and strengths of the colour. After the next burning this was reflected in the many blue nuances the artist put into the motif.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

Prior to the second burning the decorated plate must be covered by a layer of glazing. In addition to water, the glazing includes materials closely related to the materials used in the production of the plate, but the mix of the materials were different.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen
In the following burning this caused the glaze to melt and then cover the plate and the decoration, thus forming "a transparent glass window".

This firing lasted approx. 24 hours from start to end. Not only is it important for the temperature to reach 1320 degrees Celcius, the time it takes to reach a range of temperatures on the way to the 1320 degrees is crucial.

Furthermore the chemical composition of the burning was constantly checked as seen in the photo above to ensure that the plates get the tone of colour, which gives them the most beautiful appearance.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

After having been burned, the foot of the plate was rough like sandpaper. Before the plates were sent to customers all over the world, the foot was polished in order to prevent them from scratching the other plates.

Desiree Denmark Svend Jensen

At the end of a long journey through many hands was the final expert quality check. This quality check decided whether the plate was found worthy of leaving the factory as a representative of the high quality standards required by Desiree Denmark.

Less than 50 % of the cast plates were approved.