Hermès “Africa” Collection Plate with Orange Safari Motif, 1990s

Hermès porcelain plate, “Africa” model, made in the 1990s

Ø 16 cm, h 12 cm

Hermès, the renowned French luxury fashion house, extends its artistry beyond leather goods and silk scarves to exquisite tableware porcelain. Introduced as a key segment of its offering in the 1980s, Hermès porcelain is known for its luxurious quality and distinctive designs, often featuring subtle references to the brand’s equestrian heritage.

Hermès porcelain is typically made from fine Limoges porcelain, a type of hard-paste porcelain known for its whiteness, translucency, and durability. The decorations are often screen-printed and meticulously applied by hand with a brush, sometimes with 24-karat gold or platinum accents.

Hermès porcelain collections feature a wide range of captivating styles, from minimalist and sophisticated to vibrant and intricate. Common design inspirations include:
- equestrian motifs: a recurring theme that pays homage to Hermès’ origins as a harness workshop.
- Greek classicism: echoes of ancient art.
- Spanish flowers: vivid and colorful motifs.
- Asian influences: mystical and exotic elements.
- wildlife and nature: splendid depictions of animals and botanical elements.