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Henning Koppel
Georg Jensen’s Henning Koppel collection is without a doubt my absolute favourite. Why? His tableware is the most perfect example of functional, minimal design and is arguably the most recognisable collection in Georg Jensen’s 116 years of Danish design history.
The work of its creator, Copenhagen born Henning Koppel would come to define the Danish mid-century design movement. Even today, his work continues to influence contemporary Scandinavian design.
Studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in the mid-1930s, Koppel would refine his skills as a talented sculptor, producing numerous iconic pieces of jewellery and hollowware in his lifetime. In 1945, he took on a contract with Georg Jensen which ultimately became a life long partnership.
Although these pieces came into being over sixty years ago, here in my home, they look completely contemporary.
HK Pitcher
The HK pitcher is an absolute joy to use. Its iconic shape came as a result of Koppel’s first ‘Pitcher 992’ in 1952. It was dubbed “the pregnant duck” because of its curvaceous belly and slender neck. Moulded first from clay, its shape is quite unlike anything else designed before in silverware. Produced now in mirror-polished stainless steel it exemplifies Koppel’s sculptural appeal as a piece of modern art.
I adore its exaggerated handle and sweeping organic shape which was key to Koppel’s functionalist approach to design. Though he wasn’t a stickler for it – he was also insistent that the function of the piece shouldn’t take away too much from the enjoyment of using it:
“Things should not be too insistently practical,” he remarked, “otherwise everything drowns in boredom.” – Henning Koppel.
With that in mind, it can be used as a vessel for drinks or flowers. You choose.
Koppel Vase
You know how much I love my grasses but I couldn’t resist buying some flowers from a local florist. These sweet blooms set off the simplicity of the Koppel vase so well, don’t you think? Its mirror-polished stainless steel finish reflects the colour of the flowers and bounces light around the room at different times of the day. It also echoes the curves found in the pitcher which when styled together create an interesting focal point.
You can also see the vase styled outside on our patio here.
HK Bonbonniere
I’m always drawn to simple, minimal design with a tactile quality and the HK bonbonniere is no exception. Just looking at its beautifully carved wooden curves makes you want to reach out and touch it.
Originally designed for Koppel’s friend and renowned upholster Ivan Schlecter in the 1960s, Georg Jensen launched this sweet, carved oak pot in 2015. A versatile piece, it can be used for its original purpose for sweets, or, perhaps as a desk tidy as I’ve used it. I love the contrast between the cold, black marble table top and the warm, smooth oak. And thanks to Koppel’s eye for sculpture, it makes for a striking stand-alone piece, wherever you display it.
If you would like to see other Georg Jensen items I have styled, check out the Christmas Collectables, Frequency Collection by Kelly Wearstler and Bernadotte to mention some.
Styling and photography by Hege Morris.