Chinese porcelain dates back to the 3rd century, and by the 16th century Chinese ceramics were exported in large quantities to Europe and later to North America. The invention of blue and white glazes had a major influence on the style of ceramics throughout the world, driving production in Europe in later centuries. 

From fashion houses like Dior to historical ceramics lines like Flora Danica and Wedgwood, floral-patterned china is on the menu for spring. Here are six of our favourites for your spring entertaining.

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MEISSEN

Hand-made in Germany, Meissen is Europe’s oldest porcelain manufacturer, representing 300 years of ceramics history. In the 17th century European aristocracy was enamored of Chinese porcelain with its highly detailed decoration. Because of its rarity, it was even bestowed with mystical properties; for example, if one’s food was poisoned, the china plate was said to spontaneously shatter. At the time, European merchants in Asia could only pay in silver and gold, so when porcelain fever (maladie de porcelaine) hit France, the Sun King, Louis XIV, melted down the silverware at Versailles to augment his china collection. It was Augustus the Strong, however, who established the first European porcelain manufactory in 1710, in Meissen, Germany, with its own paint laboratory that now produces 300 glaze colours. Vintage Meissen pieces are so valuable they have been dubbed “white gold.” Current Meissen collections include those inspired by the original Chinese porcelain, depicting the signature Meissen rose, blue orchids, passion flower and bamboo, as well as contemporary designs.

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FLORA DANICA BY ROYAL COPENHAGEN

First conceived during the Age of Enlightenment, the highly-collectible Flora Danica by Royal Copenhagen boasts a rich history of crafting exquisite porcelain adorned with botanical illustrations. Established in Denmark in 1775, Flora Danica drew inspiration from the renowned botanical encyclopedia of the same name, commissioned by King Frederik V to meticulously document all the flora of the kingdom in 1752. The collection of motifs eventually grew to 3240 flowers and plants in 51 booklets. Each hand-crafted piece of the eponymous porcelain collection reflects meticulous craftsmanship, embodying a fusion of artistry and nature. Over the centuries, Flora Danica has become synonymous with luxury and refinement, gracing royal tables worldwide and becoming an integral part of the Danish national identity.

BORDALLO PINHEIRO

In the late 1800s, Portuguese artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro revolutionized the ceramics industry with his distinctive and joyful designs. A lover of the theatre, he was also known for his satirical newspapers poking fun at the politics of the day. His highly technical ceramic creations spanned from theatrical vases and perfume bottles to gigantic clay animals, and often represented commentary on social issues. Pinheiro produced many other ceramic items like fountains, perfume bottles, and painted tile azulejos, in the distinctive style that Portugal is so well known for today. The brand’s collection, Bordallo Pinheiro Flora, celebrates the lush beauty of the countryside, with each piece meticulously handcrafted to capture the intricate details of flowers and foliage in relief, including poppies, marigolds, dandelions, wild roses and mallows. 

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DIOR

Christin Dior famously said that “Living in a house that doesn’t suit you is like wearing someone else’s clothes.” Fittingly, then, the fashion house’s home collections are as elegant and refined as the clothes. “Rose d’Hiver” designed by artistic director Cordelia de Castellane pays homage to the rose, which has been a key creative inspiration to the house since its inception. The latest “Lily of the Valley” range, also created by de Castellane, celebrates the flower of the same name in delicate, pale green-and-white designs that harken back to the days that the designer would sew a sprig of lily of the valley into the dresses for his runway shows for its heady and romantic scent. 

WEDGWOOD

Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, Wedgwood is renowned for its timeless elegance and innovative designs. The brand's fascination with floral motifs dates back to its inception, with iconic collections such as “Wild Strawberry” and “Sarah's Garden” capturing the essence of English gardens. Now owned by a Finnish company, Wedgwood's commitment to craftsmanship and quality has solidified its reputation as a purveyor of luxury china, adorning tables in palaces and households-of-distinction worldwide. Current collections continue to use floral motifs, including “Butterfly Bloom,” the “Jardin” collection by fashion designer Vera Wang, and the “Chinoiserie” collection by designer Jasper Conran.

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CABANA BLOSSOM

A relatively newer entrant into the luxury china market, Cabana has quickly made a name for itself with its bold and eclectic floral patterns hand-painted in Umbria by a small team of artisans. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and artistic movements, Cabana’s new Blossom Collection infuses traditional porcelain with contemporary flair. A favourite of table-top stylists, Cabana reimagines floral motifs in vibrant hues and unconventional compositions, appealing to modern sensibilities while paying homage to the timeless allure of nature's beauty. As a symbol of sophistication and style, Cabana’s collections, which also include floral table linens and painted glassware, are perfect for making a statement with your spring table top.