Porcelain and the Sea
With the new Abysses collection Raynaud dedicates its creative and manufacturing skills to the fascinating ocean depths. Unique pieces for a special collection that creates an undiscovered, entrancing undersea world
by Marta Bernasconi, ph.
courtesy by Raynaud
here are many ways to depict the sea. The table settings featured in these pages use an expressive form that lies between art and poetry, entrusting expert artisans with the task of transforming inspiration into the reality of porcelain. We’re in Limoges, in the illustrious Raynaud factory, an establishment that has achieved extreme levels of refinement with table-top objects that fascinate and amaze while remaining true to what has always been the brand’s purpose – a search for the highest quality. The company’s journey began in 1911 when Martial Raynaud, after travelling the world as a representative selling “white gold” to wealthy clients, decided to take advantage of his experience and knowledge by founding a decorative workshop in Limoges. When it proved successful, he bought the factory that was to become the Raynaud works. Since then a long series of developments has contributed to the brand’s development and its positioning in the high-end tableware sector. Several partnerships resulting in unique collections have remained crucial. Such artists as Jean Cocteau, Roger Tallon and Salvador Dalí, the florist and designer Christian Tortu and the decorator Alberto Pinto have all worked with the brand. But let’s return to the sea, and the collection the company has just presented. Abysses is inspired by the encounter between the porcelain brand and the artist and illustrator Aurore de la
The marine element of the Abysses collection is interpreted through evocative brushstrokes that reveal the material and the subtleties of the colour
Morinerie. The collection depicts her vision of imagined seascapes in the ocean depths, brush painted in an indigo blue that contrasts with the dazzling whiteness of the Limoges porcelain. The artist describes her technique in these words: “The porcelain is a wonderful medium for brush drawing – it has the same qualities a paper and its bright enamelled whiteness helps give even greater depth to range of blues I like to work with”.
Western and eastern influences, tradition and modernity come together in the intense poetic lines that create the unique pieces of a special collection that creates an undiscovered, entrancing undersea world. raynaud.fr
Nature, in this case the undersea world, has always been a favoured subject for Raynaud, alongside some other privileged sources of inspiration – art, gastronomy, travel and history
