The new Fodo Oriental Vendors service to be launched by Herend was inspired by the vendors of the ancient orient. Tradesmen in various guises grace this beautiful service on plates, tea and coffee pots and cups.
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The rim of each snow-white porcelain piece: cup, pot, sugar bowl and milk jug handles, the lid knobs and the spouts of the pots are lavishly gilded; the dishes are adorned with various combinations of six Chinese figures, six exotic birds and dragons and plants in a gold-speckled background.
The FODO (Oriental Vendors) pattern was inspired by a pair of cups created in the Vienna porcelain manufactory in the early 19th century.
Initially, the motifs on European porcelain pieces were copies of their Far-Eastern models; this style, known as Chinoise, was widely used in art and design, and this set depicting Oriental characters is a gorgeous example.
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The Herend Porcelain Manufactory was authorised by the Emperor Franz Joseph to use the patterns of the Viennese porcelain factory after it was closed down in 1864.
However, Herend artists did not simply adopt these motifs, but reinterpreted and adjusted them to their own painting style. All are handpainted with meticulous care by skilled craftsmen and women.
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The service will be available from May 2007.
Prices range from £46.90 for a side plate.
Web:Â http://www.herend.com
Tel:Â Â Â (020) 7751 4199