Arje Griegst and the magnificent Konkylie tableware 

Possibly Denmark's most imaginative designer, Arje Griegst

Arje Griegst was a Danish goldsmith, sculptor and designer, who became particularly known for his jewellery under his own name, and later for the works he designed for names such as Royal Copenhagen, Holmegaard and Georg Jensen. 

After completing his training with Just Andersen, Arje Griegst opened his own workshop, where he freed himself from the prevailing, more stringent style. He stood out with his personal works that changed the very simple formal language. He used gemstones, pearls and gold in combinations and quantities that made the jewellery lavish. Most people would probably regard his creations as beautiful works of art. His design knows no bounds. 

He found inspiration in various places: the galaxies and the starry sky, ancient Greece, and especially nature. Moving through his works, it is easy to see how organic shapes and soft lines evoke the places that inspired him. The Konkylie tableware draws direct parallels to the sea's waves and seashells. Another source of inspiration was the pompous and highly detailed style of the Baroque period. The lavish ornamentation from that era is evident in Arje Griegst's design. Nothing is left to chance. The way Arje Griegst places gemstones and pearls in his jewellery may look like random additions, but each single gemstone and pearl is carefully positioned in combination with others, so that despite the number there is harmony in his pieces. With meticulous craftsmanship, Arje Griegst created his collections, and it is known that Cire Perdue was a technique he used to create his sculptures. 

In this way, Arje Griegst worked toward the organic forms that particularly characterize his design, which has a flowing structure. Arje Griegst managed to create impressive works in his time. Among other things, he designed the glass series for Holmegaard called Xanadu (1977), and it is said that Arje Griegst was given free rein when he designed a diadem for H.M. Queen Margrethe II (1977). Later he executed, among other projects, a shell fountain for Tivoli (1989), designed the Spira cutlery for Georg Jensen (2002) and created chandeliers for Designmuseum Denmark's ceremonial hall (2006).

About the Konkylie tableware for Royal Copenhagen

In 1978 Arje Griegst designed the Konkylie tableware for Royal Copenhagen, which was produced until the 1990s when production stopped. The design consists of a coffee/tea and dining service, arguably the most imaginative service launched by Royal Copenhagen. The service was originally made with a pink-colored glaze by mixing in gold. An expensive endeavour, and Royal Copenhagen chose to switch to white glaze.

Royal Copenhagen, Konkylie coffee pot by Arje Griegst

A complete service or even just a single sugar bowl from the beautiful Konkylie tableware can be hard to get hold of, but it is well worth the wait. You must arm yourself with patience if you want the service at home. A limited number was produced, and it is only rarely offered at auction, or you may be lucky to find it from a private seller. Often it is a single piece from the service that appears for sale, and rarely a complete set. Prices have risen in recent years, which can probably be attributed to the son's efforts to bring his father's works back to life after his death. This has brought attention to Arje Griegst's jewellery universe and introduced his name to new audiences. Arje Griegst's design is today continued by his son Noam Griegst. Trained as a photographer, aesthetics are a natural part of Noam Griegst's work. 

Royal Copenhagen, coffee service, Arje Griegst

  Royal Copenhagen, coffee pot, Arje Griegst

Although Arje Griegst designed the Konkylie as a complete service for Royal Copenhagen, today it is mostly sold in individual pieces. If you are lucky enough to get the sugar bowl or a plate, it is of course difficult to set a full table for guests, but that may not matter. Instead, you can use the sugar bowl as jewellery storage or a plate as a small serving dish. Let it have a natural place in everyday life and let it be useful.

You can find the gravy boat from the dining service here with us if you are interested in acquiring Arje Griegst's unique service.

Royal Copenhagen, gravy boat, Arje Griegst

Buy Arje Griegst Konkylie tableware at Vetro

At Vetro you will find original pieces from Arje Griegst's Konkylie tableware. Explore our collection of Konkylie tableware. Also see our selection of Murano lamps and other vintage Italian interior.