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LUXURY TABLEWARE Enhancing Every Dining Experience

from August/September 2023

by Upscale Living Magazine

from August/September 2023 , page 89

5 LUXURY HOTELS WITH LAVISH IN...

| BY KEVIN PILLEY

What international food will you serve at your next dinner party to impress your guests? French? Italian? Japanese? Portuguese? Turkish? No matter the cuisine, the tableware choice enhances the experience.

The manufacturing of hard-paste porcelain at Limoges in Haut Vienne, France, was established in 1771. The brand name “Limoges Porcelain” has been protected since 2017. You can’t go wrong with kaolin, quartz, and feldspar materials that create beautiful plates, cups, and bowls.

The light effects of the rice paper Japanese screens, the art of origami folding, and the braiding and caning of the furniture of the 50s influence the Twist Collection by Bernardaud (est. 1863).

Raynaud, which dates back to 1911, offers Oskar and Prestige collections featuring the MineraI Irise and Cristobel Emerlaude ranges, which lend more than a touch of haute couture to any dining-room table.

The use of elegant tableware has deep royal roots. Founded in 1737 under Louis XV, then put under the protection of the Comte d’Artois, Louis XVI’s brother, in 1774 and sold during the Revolution, the Ancienne Manufacture Royale de Limoges is part of the history of France. From Bernardaud’s Historical Collection, you can eat off plates with patterns designed in 1757 for Louis XV for the royal residence at Fontainebleau, Marie-Antoinette at Versailles (pearl and cornflower), and Catherine XI of Russia (“Aux Camees”). The Elysée service was produced by the Sèvres Manufactory in 1832 for the personal use of King Louis-Philippe in the Tuileries Palace. The National Museum of Ceramics in Sèvres displays the original service pieces.

The long history of Limoges began with David Haviland. He is the man who made Limoges the world capital of Limoges. His Heritage Collection includes Louveciennes, a design favored by Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles. The Haviland company’s roots date back to

1842. Newcomer Jayne de Chrome has been producing Limoges tableware in its factory in Saint-Léonard de Noblat for twentyfive years. The company combines traditional porcelain work with contemporary enamel finishes. Their Song Ocean collection showcases masterful glazing techniques. Jaune de Chrome refines the fine Limoges porcelain of their sister manufacturer J.L. Coquet with a shimmering, cool blue pattern, sprayed with clusters of white dots depicting sea foam on a breaking wave. Unlike previous techniques, the décor is neither printed nor painted on the pieces but spraypainted onto the raw porcelain with pigmented glazes before firing it. The design feature is the glaze, which is perfectly glossy, smooth, and scratch-resistant. The Song Ocean dinner service consists of several popular J.L. Coquet shapes, including the iconic Bolero plates. The specially developed glaze contains metallic pigments, rendering it unsuitable for the microwave but perfect for making a splash at the dining table. The Song dinner service is available in many noble and creative colors.

Established in 1946, Japan-based bone china manufacturer Narumi has unveiled Primadonna, a new dinnerware collection reminiscent of a diva’s dress. The shape, inspired by chrysanthemums, symbolizes nobleness in Japanese culture, where their elegant patterns feature shiny gold rims with lapis blue accents to enhance the luxurious feel. Made from bone china and manufactured in Narumi’s mother plant in Ise-Shima National Park, the collection exudes glamor and elegance. Their Rydges collection draws inspiration from the surges and rhythms in natural landscapes. Inspired by mountain ridges, ocean waves, and strata, its theme is “Respect for Nature.” Adding to its reputation in bone china manufacturing, Narumi has made a name for itself within the luxury hotel and restaurant sector. The company won the Tableware International Award of Excellence 2023.

Other tabletop labels are popping up that deserve mention. Turkish high-end, fine dining quality manufacturer Bonna created translucent patterns Ore and Aura, which delight many guests seated at tables adorned with these beautiful plates. Keep an eye out for their latest collection Fium. Specialist Spanish tableware company Pordamsa has launched a new collection of black porcelain. Modeled by hand from black porcelain paste and fired at over 1300ºC, the range includes a color never used before by the brand called Black Night. This novelty inspires the creation of gastronomic proposals that contrast with the product’s aesthetics.

Since its foundation in 1992, Costa Verde has prioritized its strong allegiance with Portuguese porcelain distributors. Their new Terra series results from a collaboration with the San Francisco-based engineer and sculptural designer Pere Gifre. An influential name in the “horeca” sector, he currently collaborates with more than 200 Michelin-ranked restaurants worldwide on tabletop designs. The line’s signature feature is its use of organic shapes, which they claim awakens the senses offering “a tactile experience that aims to connect diners with nature” via various textures ranging from rough to satin with gradients going from flat to steep. Terra is sponsored by two Michelin-starred Portuguese chefs-Dieter Koschina and Henrique Sá Pessoa. Costa Verde suits fine dining table needs for professional or amateur cooks. www.costa-verde.com