Exceptional Georg Jensen Sterling Silver & Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Tureen

A rare and historically important Georg Jensen sterling silver and Bing & Grøndahl porcelain Art Deco tureen, design #4011 by Harald Nielsen, from 1943–1944.

This extraordinary covered tureen is among the rarest Georg Jensen hollowware creations we have encountered. Based on the hallmarks dating from 1933–1944, and the design’s introduction in 1942, it was produced in 1943 or 1944, during the German occupation of Denmark in the Second World War.

The use of Bing & Grøndahl’s deep cobalt blue porcelain with a white glazed interior was almost certainly a response to the wartime shortage of sterling silver, making this an exceptional example of Danish ingenuity during a period of limited resources. Whether a prototype or an extremely limited production piece, we have never encountered another example and believe it may well be unique. The contrast between the luminous blue porcelain and handcrafted sterling silver mountings creates a striking and elegant composition that is both sculptural and functional.

The broad, stepped sterling silver lid is crowned by an impressive architectural finial composed of stylized Art Deco floral petals surrounding a polished silver sphere. Each petal section is separated by finely hand-chased leaf motifs, demonstrating the exceptional level of craftsmanship associated with Georg Jensen during this period. The circular collar beneath the finial echoes the distinctive ring detail found on Harald Nielsen’s celebrated Pyramid pattern, while the deep inner ring allows the lid to seat securely within the tureen.

The porcelain body is fitted with a finely crafted sterling silver rim, an impressive technical achievement requiring remarkable precision to mount without damaging the porcelain. The rim is decorated with delicate hand-chased beading, a decorative detail closely associated with Johan Rohde’s silver designs.

The tureen rests on a substantial sterling silver base featuring four geometric Art Deco feet joined by a stepped circular plinth. Each foot is embellished with finely chased floral details, while repeating bead decoration throughout the base creates a harmonious balance with the lid.

At 11 inches (28 cm) high and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in both width and diameter, this is the largest Georg Jensen porcelain-mounted vessel we have ever owned. It is an exceptionally rare example that beautifully illustrates the marriage of Danish silver craftsmanship and porcelain artistry during one of the most significant periods in Denmark’s history.

Specifications

• Designer: Harald Nielsen
• Design Number: 4011
• Date: Circa 1943–1944
• Materials: Sterling silver, Bing & Grøndahl cobalt blue porcelain with white glazed interior
• Dimensions: 11″ (28 cm) high × 10″ (25.4 cm) wide × 10″ (25.4 cm) diameter
• Weight: 2,770 grams (97.70 troy oz. gross)
• Hallmarks: Georg Jensen hallmarks (1933–1944), Design HN 4011, 925S Sterling Denmark

Out of stock - Join the waitlist to be emailed when this product becomes available