This is a Mon Amie teacup, a masterpiece by Marianne Westman, a leading designer at Rörstrand. Mon Amie means "lover" in French. Mon Amie comes in two models: the bowl-shaped A model and the cylindrical BV model. This is the latter BV model, a rare, large-capacity teacup size.
The backstamp has the quality assurance mark VDN engraved on it, indicating that it was produced between 1951 and 1973. Reproductions of Monami are still produced today, but they are made in Indonesia, and this is an original vintage Monami product made in Sweden.
The biggest difference between the Monami reproductions and the originals is the color of the base. The reproductions have a pure white base, while the originals have a muted off-white color tone. Also, the blue of the reproductions is uniform and vivid, while the originals are hand-colored and each piece has a different shade, almost like ultramarine. The reproductions can be either too white or too blue, but the vintage pieces are expressive and you can feel the breath of the artisan in their work.
The backstamp is also distinctive; the reproduction version reads "MON AMIE Marianne Westman Rörstrand," but the original was made in Sweden, so the stamp always reads "SWEDEN." The pieces are from Scandinavian countries about half a century ago, but the older they are, the more artistic and superior the pieces are.
■ Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Rorstrand Series: Mon Amie Designer: Marianne Westman Year: 1951-1973 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★☆☆ (3.5: Good condition)
When held up to the light, the saucer's foot and the bottom of the cup show some fine scratches, but there are no cracks, chips, or crazing, making this a good product that has retained the shape it was when it was made. We have multiple items in stock for this product. All items in stock are in the same condition as the photos. If you would like to check the individual condition, please contact us via chat or email.
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size
Diameter 11.5cm (including handle) Height 6.6cm Saucer diameter 15.8cm
Marianne Westman
Marianne Westman ( Marianne Westman, 1928-2017 )
Born in the Dalarna region of central Sweden, known for Dalarna horses. In 1950, at the age of 22, he joined Rorstrand as a designer and remained there for 21 years until 1971. As the company's signboard designer, he has created numerous works and brought the masterpiece Mon Amie series to the world. Monami is a masterpiece of Scandinavian design from the mid-20th century, known as "mid-century," and is still loved around the world, with reprints still being produced . Westman's works are characterized by many designs that are conscious of plants and free-spirited patterns that appear to be drawn freehand.