Inspirational Blue - Blue herring peacock scales

Blue Herring is a unique collection of six ceramic herrings, each with its own beautiful Delft Blue decoration. The herring is designed as an eye-catcher on the wall. Royal Delft will introduce this series in 2024, in collaboration with the design duo Koens and Middelkoop. Each design in this series, including Peacock Scales, Dragon Fly Flower, Mesdag’s Fleet, Flower Scales, Art Deco and Flower Bed, tells its own story and combines the Dutch herring tradition with beautiful Delft Blue artwork. The pegs can be hung decoratively on the wall using a cork and a nail. The decorations range from the peacock feathers of the Peacock Scales, inspired by the Peacock Symphony collection, to the maritime scenes of Mesdag’s Fleet, based on the paintings of Hendrik Willem Mesdag.

A wall mount for hanging the herring on the wall is included, along with instructions.

The inspiration behind the designs

“We want Blue Herring to be the start of a new collector’s item,” says Design Manager Joffrey Walonker. “In 2017, together with Koens and Middelkoop, we introduced Proud Mary, which has now become an iconic collector’s item of Royal Delft. The Blue Herring is a perfect illustration of how we can combine our rich history with contemporary design. The Blue Herring is not just a decorative object, but also a piece of Dutch culture that you bring into your home.”

 

In Dutch seas where currents flow,
the herring’s tale began to grow.
From wooden ships to foreign shores,
a fish that history adores.

Salted, pickled, flavors bold,
a symbol of commerce, stories told.
Through wars and peace, it endured,
a taste of history, ever assured.

So let’s raise a toast, a cheer, a song,
for the dutch herring, brave and strong.
In every bite, its story’s found,
a fish that’s cherished, world-renowned.

At Royal Delft where artists craft,
A herring’s tale takes a ceramic draft.
A touch of Delft Blue with its colours bright,
It joins the legacy, a captivating sight.

A new story is made,
In Royal Delft’s hands, its form displayed.
A fusion of history, art, and skill,
The ceramic herring, a testament still.