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Nick's Pick
Nick Nicholson | Director Russian Art & Museum/Institutional Svcs
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I’m a little obsessed with the pieces in the sale from the rather hard to find "Cubash" pattern, which first appeared at Herend in the mid-19th century. The complex decoration of this pattern was named for Count Cubash (Kuvasz), who commissioned it from Herend in 1862., while serving as the Austro_Hungarian Consul in London.
Mor Fischer, the head of the factory in the 19th century was drawn to exotic Asian forms of Chinese export and Japanese Kakiemon porcelain. The "Cubash" pattern is a trippy mix of both, on a beautiful and highly articulated sable brown and gold background. The pattern, almost more like a printed textile than a painted china, was appealing during the rococo revival period and later, when exotic styles were popular across Central Europe.
Enlivened with the typical polychromed peonies and butterflies known from the more famous "Queen Victoria" and "Rothschid Bird" patterns, "Cubash" also features gilded sprays of bamboo which add luster to the vermiculated background.
Though Herend still prides itself on being painted entirely by hand, these older examples are of a quality and delicacy no longer found.
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Rebecca's Picks
Rebecca Campbell | Associate Specialist and Lead Cataloguer, Fine & Decorative Arts
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What makes this group of Herend floral faience service pieces so special to me is how incredibly rare faience from Herend is. Unlike their more widely known porcelain work, Herend's faience was produced in much smaller quantities, making surviving examples from the mid-19th century exceptionally hard to find. The soft, painterly floral designs feel delicate and personal, like a window into another era. Each piece has a warmth and handmade charm that’s totally unique, and knowing how scarce they are only deepens the appreciation. It’s like holding a secret chapter of Herend's history.
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I’m drawn to this set of Herend Black Dynasty porcelain because of its striking balance between elegance and boldness. The intricate, hand-painted details feel both regal and timeless, while the deep black and gold palette gives the pieces a dramatic, almost mysterious presence. There’s a sense of history and craftsmanship that makes them feel like more than just tableware—they’re objects of art with stories behind them. I love how they command attention without being ostentatious.
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Xenia's Picks
Xenia Amaya | Cataloguer, Decorative Arts
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There’s something irresistibly charming about this Herend milk jug—perhaps it’s the soft apple green glaze or the way the hand-painted scenes draw you into quiet little worlds of ships at harbor. Every detail feels carefully considered: from the gently scalloped reserves framed in gilt to the gleaming acorn finial. What makes this piece especially likable is how it balances refinement with warmth. It’s elegant without being aloof—meant to be admired but also used and loved. The work is a wonderful addition to any collection of fine porcelain, especially for those drawn to Herend’s distinct blend of romanticism and precision.
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There are many wonderful porcelain objects to choose from in our upcoming sale, but my favorite lot is A Pair of Dresden Porcelain Magpie Figures. The birds feature a vibrant wash of purple, green, and blue on their wings, evoking the shimmering quality of real magpie feathers. This captivating pair captures the elegance and vitality of these clever birds, making it a delightful addition to any bird enthusiast’s collection. Happy bidding!
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Elinor's Pick
Elinor Chalmers | Cataloguer, Decorative Arts
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One of my favorite pieces in the sale is this elegant KPM porcelain figure of a black crowned night heron, designed by Edmund Otto. It beautifully captures the bird’s graceful yet watchful nature, with a poised stance and delicate hand-painted details that highlight the quality of German porcelain artistry. The subtle modeling of the feathers and the naturalistic coloration contribute to a lifelike yet stylized portrayal, reflecting both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.
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Nick Nicholson
Director Russian Art &
Museum/Institutional Svcs
NickN@HA.com
(212) 486-3570
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Rebecca Campbell
Associate Specialist &
Lead Cataloguer,
Fine & Decorative Arts
RCampbell@HA.com
(214) 409-1948
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Xenia Amaya
Cataloguer,
Decorative Arts
XeniaA@HA.com
(214) 409-1907
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Elinor Chalmers
Cataloguer,
Decorative Arts
ElinorC@HA.com
(214) 528-3500
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