This is the Mon Amie coffee cup, 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.
Reproductions of Monami are still being produced today, but they are made in Indonesia, and this is an original vintage Monami product made in Sweden.
The biggest difference between modern reproductions and vintage pieces is the base color. The reproductions have a pure white base, while the originals have a subdued off-white color tone. Also, the blue is uniform and vivid in the reproductions, while the originals were hand-colored and have varying shades, like ultramarine. While the reproductions can sometimes be too white and too blue, the vintage pieces are expressive and you can feel the artisan's touch.
The back stamp is also distinctive, and since the originals are made in Sweden, the stamp always reads "SWEDEN." This is an artistic and excellent item.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Rorstrand Series: Mon Amie Designer: Marianne Westman Year: 1951-1973 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is an unused, deadstock item. It is in perfect condition, retaining its beautiful luster as if it had been made yesterday. This is the shopkeeper's top recommendation.
■ Size
Cup diameter 7.3cm, height 6.5cm, saucer diameter 13.5cm, capacity 160ml
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.
