This deep plate from the "Sylvia" series was designed by Rörstrand, a long-established Swedish tableware manufacturer, to commemorate its 250th anniversary. The shape of the product was designed by Marianne Westman, known for the Monami series, and the violet flower decoration was done by Sylvia Leuchovius, a designer at the same company.
The Silvia was released in 1976 , the year of the wedding of Swedish King Carl Gustaf XVI and Queen Silvia Sommerrath. There was some opposition to the marriage of Queen Silvia, who was a foreign-born commoner, but Sweden's leading artists such as ABBA defended her. ABBA's hit song "Dancing Queen" was first performed on the eve of the wedding ceremony, and it is said that the name "Queen" is a tribute to Queen Silvia. The 250th anniversary model of Rörstrand, named Silvia, also has the intention of welcoming the new queen.
Queen Silvia continued her charitable work in the fields of elderly care and child welfare, and is now widely respected by the Swedish people.
The backstamp is engraved with the words "250 ar Jubileumsservis", which means "250th anniversary tableware" in Swedish. The backstamp is more decorative than Rörstrand products, which conveys the special commitment to the anniversary model.
The Sylvia series was developed as a series of tableware including cups, plates, teacups, pitchers, creamers, etc. Made of hard, thin bone china, the translucent glaze and beautiful patterns, and the refined form are particularly high quality for a Rörstrand product from the 1970s.
It is also worth noting that the Silvia series does not have the marks of supports (eye marks) that are common in Scandinavian vintage tableware, which indicates that the kiln firing environment was completely renewed for the Silvia series. This is a highly refined and beautiful piece, even among Scandinavian vintage tableware.
■ Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Rorstrand Form design: Marianne Westman Pattern design: Sylvia Leuchovius
Series name: Sylvia Year: 1976-1982 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is an unused dead stock item that has retained the luster and beauty of the original. It is in the best condition of any Silvia plate available on the market.
■Size
Diameter 20cm Height 4cm
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.
Sylvia Leuchovius
Silvia Leuchovius ( Sylvia Leuchovius, 1915-2003)
Born in the Småland region of southern Sweden. Originally, he wanted to become a clothing designer and took up a job as a dressmaker, but at the age of 30, after studying art graphics at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Gothenburg in the southwest, he changed his job to Rorstrand. He established himself as a unique artist, setting himself apart from mass production lines by manufacturing ceramic plates and still life paintings in-house. Although he has an unusual background as a designer, it is clear that he was highly regarded within the company, as he was entrusted with the design of Rorstrand's 250th anniversary model. Her ceramic motifs and her university background match those of Lisa Larson, and she has a distinct presence in the Nordic art scene.