Time for tea: new indigo Hammershøi tableware from Kähler Design

This is a paid, collaborative post created with Kähler Design, the items shown were loaned for the purposes of the shoot. 

I first introduced Kähler Design on these pages at the end of last year with some simple, Scandinavian decoration ideas for Christmas. They’re famous for creating timeless classics that can be used not only for those special occasions but also in everyday life – with tableware that uplifts moments spent at home.

So today I’ve teamed up again with Denmark’s oldest ceramic brand to show you the newest addition to their collection. A brand new, deep indigo colour has been added to their popular Hammershøi line – perfect for embracing the so-called Japandi trend this winter, where Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism meet in a marriage of understated design and exquisite craftsmanship.

With a teapot, cups, mugs, serving jugs, bowls and storage jars, all united by distinctive grooves in the porcelain, the collection has a natural, organic quality. Their rich hue contrasts with my pared-back, neutral home and grey kitchen, and provides an ideal excuse to stop, slow down and celebrate a quiet moment.

The Hammershøi tableware collection itself is nothing new. Launched two years ago, the range, created by designer Hans-Christian Bauer, draws inspiration from original works by renowned artist Svend Hammershøi, conceived in the Kähler workshop back in the early 20th century. Today pieces are still cast in hand-made moulds and glazes applied by hand.

Hammershøi is symbolic of Kähler’s ethos – reinterpreting its 175-year heritage in a contemporary way for today. The honest, functional pieces have a homely familiarity about them, while being brought bang up to date with this bold new colour and delicate, brass details.

To me, the elegant pieces have an element of understated luxury. The coloured glaze and intricate lined pattern highlight the porcelain’s form, providing a subtle detail that is never ostentatious or showy. I particularly like the cute, round, little bonbonnière, which can be used to present sweet treats and biscuits. 

Says designer Hans-Christian Bauer of the collection: ‘I am not a ceramist by training but an industrial designer with a keen interest in ceramics. I strive to combine some of the warmth and uniqueness of the ceramic material with a rational modern design, good usefulness and clear seriality.’

‘What to me is unique about ceramic as a material is the exciting play which occurs between the matt white core and smooth fine glaze that covers it. By leaving the underlying material visible through the glaze, it is possible to create a depth you cannot get in hard materials such as plastic and metal.’

Stopping for a cup of tea or something warming in the afternoon is a beloved daily ritual for all of us I think – the Swedish have ‘Fika’, the French ‘goûter’, and the British, afternoon tea. (I’m not sure what the Danes call it, but give me a shout if you know!) It’s time out from the stresses of our lives, a restorative moment to breathe and reflect. So it makes sense for that everyday pick-me-up to be made a little bit more special with something like the Hammershøi range. I better pop the kettle on then!

The Hammershøi tableware starts at £14.50 and includes three different sizes of bowl, serving and milk jugs, a teapot, a thermal cup, a mug with a handle, the bonbonnière, eggcups (2-pack) and a cruet set in the new indigo glaze. Wooden spice grinders and an oiled oak paper towel holder also come with an indigo porcelain knob.

The collection is available in Kähler’s web shop at www.kahlerdesign.com and design shops across Europe.

All images Cate St Hill