If you’re a collector or an enthusiast of the luxurious Hermes brand, you might have wondered where their iconic plates are made. These plates are not only functional but also beautiful, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. In this article, we’ll dive into the history and production process of Hermes plates to answer the question – Where are the Hermes plates made?
History of Hermes Plates
Hermes is a French luxury brand that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. Initially, the brand specialized in designing and producing horse saddles and harnesses before branching out to other leather goods and accessories such as bags, wallets, belts, and finally, home decor items like plates.
The first Hermes plate was introduced in 1926 and was made from Limoges porcelain – a type of hard-paste porcelain that is known for its whiteness and translucency. Since then, Hermes has continued to produce high-quality Limoges porcelain plates that have become synonymous with their brand.
The Production Process of Hermes Plates
The production process of Hermes plates is long and intricate. It involves several stages that require precision and expertise to ensure that each plate meets the high standards set by the brand. Here’s a breakdown of how these beautiful plates are made:
1. Designing
The first step in making a Hermes plate is designing it. The design is usually created by an artist who works with the brand. The design can be inspired by nature or other elements that reflect the ethos of Hermes.
2. Molding
Once the design is finalized, it’s time to create a mold for the plate. A plaster cast is made from the design using a mixture of plaster and water. This cast will be used to make multiple molds for each plate.
3. Pouring the Porcelain
The molds are then filled with the Limoges porcelain mixture, which is made up of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. The porcelain is poured into each mold and left to dry for several hours.
4. Firing
After the porcelain has dried, it’s time to fire it in a kiln at a temperature of around 1,400 degrees Celsius. This firing process ensures that the porcelain becomes hard and durable.
5. Glazing
Once the plates have been fired, they are coated with a layer of glaze that gives them their smooth and shiny finish. The glaze also protects the plates from scratches and stains.
6. Painting
Finally, the plates are painted by hand using special pigments that are mixed with water to create a paste-like consistency. The painters use small brushes to carefully apply the paint to each plate following the design created earlier.
Where Are Hermes Plates Made?
Now that we know how Hermes plates are made let’s answer the question – where are they made? Hermes plates are exclusively made in Limoges, France – a city known for its exceptional porcelain production since the 18th century. Each Hermes plate is stamped with “Hermes Paris – Made in France” on its underside to signify its authenticity and origin.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Hermes plates are made in Limoges, France – a city known for producing high-quality porcelain since centuries ago. Each plate goes through an intricate production process involving designing, molding, pouring porcelain, firing, glazing, and painting to ensure that it meets Hermes’ high standards of quality and craftsmanship. So next time you admire an Hermes plate on display or use one during dinner parties or events, you’ll know where it came from and the amount of work that went into creating it.