This is a Mon Amie teacup, a masterpiece by Marianne Westman, a key 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, larger-capacity teacup size.
The backstamp bears the VDN quality assurance mark, indicating that the piece was produced between 1951 and 1973. Reproductions of Monami are still being produced today, but they are made in Indonesia. This is an original vintage Monami piece made in Sweden.
The biggest difference between the Monami reproduction and the original is the base color. The reproduction has a pure white base, while the original has a subdued off-white color tone. Also, the blue of the reproduction is uniform and vivid, while the original was hand-colored, so each piece has different shades, giving it an ultramarine-like depth. While the reproduction is sometimes too white and sometimes too blue, the vintage piece is expressive and you can feel the artisan's touch.
The backstamp is also distinctive; while the reproduction version reads "MON AMIE Marianne Westman Rörstrand," the original was made in Sweden and therefore always has "SWEDEN" engraved on the stamp. It is a Nordic dish from about half a century ago, but the older it is, the more artistic and superior it is as a piece of pottery.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Rorstrand Series: Mon Amie Designer: Marianne Westman Year: 1951-1973 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★☆☆ (3.5: Good)
When held up to the light, the base of the saucer and the bottom of the cup show some minor scratches, but there are no cracks, chips, or crazing, making this a good product that has retained its original appearance. We have multiple items in stock. All items in stock are in the same condition as shown in the photos. If you would like to confirm the individual condition, please contact us via chat or email.
■ 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.
