Henry Thelander u.a - Christmas decoration Bing & Grondahl (5) - July After - Porcelain

Bing & Grøndahl (B&G), Copenhagen - Five Christmas plates from the series “Jule-Aften”
Years 1976 · 1977 · 1978 · 1980 · 1985
Porcelain, cobalt blue underglaze decoration · Ø 18 cm

Manufacturer: Bing & Grøndahl
Bing & Grøndahl was founded in 1853 in Copenhagen. The manufactory developed into one of the leading Danish porcelain manufacturers and became especially known for figurines, dinner services, and cobalt blue decorated porcelain. In 1987 Bing & Grøndahl merged with Royal Copenhagen.
In 1895 Bing & Grøndahl issued the first annual plate of its Christmas series. Royal Copenhagen currently incorporates the B&G Christmas plate tradition in its historical overview as a collection tradition existing since 1895.
The photographed bottom marks confirm the manufacturer, origin, and model numbers. The pieces are to be classified as authentic Danish seasonal porcelains of the 20th century. The years and model numbers correspond to the B&G system: 9076, 9077, 9078, 9080 and 9085.

Technique and design features
The B&G Christmas plates are characteristic for their monochrome blue-and-white effect. The motifs are engraved in low relief and decorated under the glaze with cobalt blue. Varying color densities and the relief create the gradations from deep dark blue to almost white light areas. The transparent glaze protects the decoration and gives the surface its typical shine.
On the front of all five pieces is the inscription “JULE-AFTEN” with the year. “Juleaften” in Danish denotes Christmas Eve. The motifs draw on Danish winter landscapes, domestic Christmas scenes, architecture, and nature.
The two factory-supplied mounting holes with wire hangers on the back correspond to their function as wall and collector plates. The handwritten blue marks are internal painter, work, or quality-control marks; they are not an indication of a later imitation.

Individual descriptions:
Year 1976 - Model 9076
Original title: “Gensynet juleaften / Christmas Welcome.” The motif shows a winter harbor scene. A fishing boat is in the foreground; in the background the view extends over snow-covered buildings to a church. Figures move through the winter scenery. The composition combines maritime Danish life with the theme of returning home or being welcomed at Christmas.
The back bears the green B&G mark “Copenhagen Porcelain / B&G / Made in Denmark,” the model number 9076, and the bilingual title.

Year 1977 - Model 9077
Original title: “Jul i København / Copenhagen Christmas.” The depiction shows a snowy Copenhagen city scene. In the foreground a child looks out from a window at the wintry surroundings; a prominent tower architecture defines the background. The motif effectively contrasts a sheltered interior with the winter exterior.
The bottom mark reads B&G, Denmark, model 9077 and the bilingual title.

Year 1978 - Model 9078
Original title: “Julefortælling / A Christmas Tale.” An older woman and a child sit in front of a decorated Christmas tree; the elder person holds an open book. The motif is among the more narrative and family-centered images of the group and thematizes the passing on of Christmas stories and traditions.
The back bears model 9078 and the original title.

Year 1980 - Model 9080
Original title: “Jul i skoven / Christmas in the Woods.” Two stags or deer stand in a snowy forest landscape; in the background a wintry feeding place or shelter appears. The motif belongs to the B&G series’ common combination of Christmas, winter, and Nordic wildlife.
The back confirms model 9080 and the title “Christmas in the Woods.”

Year 1985 - Model 9085
Original title: “Jul i den gamle gård / Christmas Eve at the Farmhouse.” The scene shows a snow-covered courtyard/building complex in perspective. Architecture, snow, and individual figures create a quiet, nocturnal Christmas atmosphere.
The back bears the model number 9085 as well as the Danish and English titles.

The group is decorative, culturally interesting, and attractive as a small cohesive collection.