Arje Griegst and the fantastic Konkylie service

Perhaps Denmark’s imaginative designer, Arje Griegst

Arje Griegst was a Danish goldsmith, sculptor and designer, who became particularly known for his jewelry under his own name, and later for the works he designed for names like 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 strict style. He stood out with his personal works that changed the very simple visual language. He used gemstones, pearls and gold in combinations and quantities that made the jewelry lavish. Most would view his creations as beautiful artistic works. His design knows no bounds.

He drew inspiration from various places: the galaxies and starry skies, ancient Greece, and especially nature. Moving among his works, it is clear how organic shapes and soft lines evoke the places that inspired him. The Konkylie service draws direct parallels to the sea’s waves and shells. Another source of inspiration was the pompous, detail-rich 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 jewelry appears as if they were added randomly, but each single gemstone and pearl is thoughtfully placed 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 produced impressive works in his time. He designed, among other things, the glass series Xanadu for Holmegaard (1977), and the story goes that he was given free rein when he designed a diadem for H.M. Queen Margrethe II (1977). Later he executed, among other things, a shell fountain for Tivoli (1989), designed the Spira cutlery for Georg Jensen (2002) and created chandeliers for the Designmuseum Denmark’s ceremonial hall (2006).

About the Konkylie service for Royal Copenhagen

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 The service was originally made with a pink glaze by mixing gold into the glaze.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

Royal Copenhagen, Konkylie coffee pot by Arje Griegst

A complete service or even a single sugar bowl from the beautiful Konkylie service 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 made, and pieces are rarely offered at auctions, or you may be lucky to find one from a private seller. Often it is a single piece from the service that is offered, and seldom a complete set. Prices have risen in recent years, likely due to the son’s efforts to revive his father’s works after his death. This has brought attention to Arje Griegst’s jewelry universe and introduced his name to new audiences. Arje Griegst’s designs are today continued by his son Noam Griegst. The whimsical yet cohesive jewelry in gold and colorful gemstones has found a new era. Trained as a photographer, aesthetics are a natural part of Noam Griegst’s work.

Royal Copenhagen, plates and coffee cups, Arje Griegst

Original vintage Royal Copenhagen Konkylie (Triton) coffee service for seven people. The service is first quality and in the original pink porcelain from 1978, which was produced until 1984, after which white glaze was used. The Konkylie service is today one of the most sought-after discontinued services from Royal Copenhagen.

Royal Copenhagen, coffee service, Arje Griegst

Royal Copenhagen, Coffee pot, Arje Griegst

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

If you are interested in getting hold of Arje Griegst’s unique service, you can find the gravy boat from the dining service here with us.

Royal Copenhagen, gravy boat, Arje Griegst

Buy Arje Griegst Konkylie service at Vetro

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