For over two centuries, Herend has been crafting exquisite porcelain pieces with unparalleled skill and creativity. Under the leadership of Mór Fischer de Farkasházy, Vince Stingl established Herend at the foot of Hungary's Bakony Hills in 1826. Herend began producing replacement tableware for Europe's royal families in 1839 to complement their esteemed Far Eastern porcelain designs. Fischer's innovation and exceptional standards for execution propelled Herend to prominence and soon started creating their own tableware designs. The acquisition of a big set for Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria in 1851 was a turning point, and Herend was soon asked to make distinctive designs for European aristocrats. Herend continues its legacy, and its exquisite hand-painted pieces have become heirlooms for generations to come.

The origin of the Apponyi pattern was a design named “Indian Flower Basket” with tiny, intricate floral patterns and gracefully bending leaves surrounded by a stylised edge. This exotic pattern became popular so fast that at the Paris Exposition of 1867, the tables of Élysée Palace were laid with this Herend dinner set at a reception in honour of Emperor Franz Joseph. Count Albert Apponyi (1846–1933), a famous Hungarian politician, diplomat, and patriot of the time, requested that the dominant motif of the “Indian Flower Basket” design be enlarged, resulting in a purer version of the original pattern. Thus, the perfect fusion of Oriental exoticism and bourgeois poise was born.

Expected to ship in 6 - 8 weeks