Arje Griegst and the fantastic Konkyliestel

Perhaps Denmark's most imaginative designer, Arje Griegst

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

When he had completed his education with Just Andersen, Arje Griegst opened his own workshop, where he freed himself from the more rigorous style of the time. He stood out with his personal works that changed the very simple idiom. He used precious stones, pearls and gold in combinations and quantities that made the jewelery opulent. Most people will probably look at his creations as beautiful works of art. His design knows no bounds.

He found inspiration from different places. The galaxies and the starry sky, Ancient Greece, and then there was especially nature. If you move between his works, it is clear to see how organic shapes and soft lines give associations to the places he found inspiring. The conch shell draws direct parallels to the ocean's waves and conch shells.Another source of inspiration was the pompous and detailed style from the Baroque period. The lavish decoration from that time is evident in Arje Griegst's design. Nothing is left to chance. The way Arje Griegst places precious stones and pearls in his jewelry looks like random additions, but each addition of a single precious stone and pearl is placed judiciously in combination with several, so that despite the number, there is harmony in his jewelry.Arje Griegst created his collections with a neat craftsmanship, and it is known that Cire Perdue was a technique he used to create his sculptures.

In this way, Arje Griegst worked towards the organic forms that are particularly characteristic of his design, which has a fluid 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 so the story goes that Arje Griegst was given free rein when, for H.M Queen Margrethe II. designed a diadem (1977). Later he executed, among other things, a conch fountain for Tivoli (1989), designed the cutlery Spira for Georg Jensen (2002) and created chandeliers for Designmuseum Danmarks in their banquet hall (2006).

About the conch shell set for Royal Copenhagen

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

Royal Copenhagen, Konkylie coffee pot by Arje Griegst

A complete frame or just a single sugar bowl from the beautiful Konkylies frame can be difficult to get your hands on, but is totally worth the wait. You must arm yourself with patience if you want the frame standing at home. A limited number were made and it is only rarely put up for sale at auction, or you may be lucky enough to find it from a private seller. Often it is a single part from the frame that is added, and rarely a complete frame. The price has increased in recent years, which can probably be attributed to the son's work to bring his father's works to life after his death. It has brought attention to Arje Griegst's jewelery universe and pushed his name out to new faces. Arje Griegst design is today continued by his son Noam Griegst. The whimsical and yet complete jewelery in gold and colorful gemstones has gained a new era. A trained photographer, aesthetics are a natural part of Noam Griegst's work.

Royal Copenhagen, plate and coffee cups, Arje Griegst

Original vintage Royal Copenhagen Konkylie (Triton) coffee set for seven people. The frame is 1. sorting and in the original pink porcelain from 1978, which was produced until 1984, after which white glaze was used.The conch shell frame is today one of the most sought after discontinued frames from Royal Copenhagen.

Royal Copenhagen, Coffee set, Arje Griegst

  Royal Copenhagen, Coffee pot, Arje Griegst

Although Arje Griegst designed Konkylie as a complete frame for Royal Copenhagen, today it is mostly sold in individual parts. If you are lucky enough to get the sugar bowl or a plate home, it is of course difficult to cover up for guests, but it may not matter that much. You can instead use the sugar bowl as storage for jewelery or the plate as a small dish for serving. Let it have a natural place in everyday life and let it be useful.

If you are interested in getting your hands on Arje Griegst's unique set, you will find the sauce pot from the dining set here with us.

 Royal Copenhagen, sauce pot, Arje Griegst