Since being founded in 1747, Munich-based Nymphenburg have continually proved themselves as master porcelain makers, even providing their products for the Bavarian royal family. With their craft evolving over the years into a catalogue that includes limited edition series and couture edition collections, they have really taken their art to new heights. Their Cula Black Biscuit Tea Set marks their first collaboration with Berlin-based Olaf Nicolai, a mixed-media artist known for his conceptual work that includes artificial landscapes and distorted advertising pieces. According to Nymphenburg, Cula marks the first time Nicolai has worked with porcelain as a medium, which is hard to believe because the result is stunning.
"The exterior of the tea service reminds us of the structured pattern of coral and also refers to the non-linear growth model of mathematics. The design of the teapot was actually developed using a medical software program which was able to simulate complex, asymmetric growth processes," explains Nymphenburg. The process to create Cull was pretty difficult, because the manufacturer's paste mill (which is apparently the last of its kind) had to create its own porcelain paste with super high graining using a secret recipe.
The set was made in a limited edition of only 20 in 2010, and comes with a tray, teapot and bowl, all made from black biscuit porcelain. It includes a book written by a collective of authors and a specially-designed serving towel, all arranged in a display box. In the book, Nicolai writes of coral gardens and explains the ideal scenario in which you can enjoy a cup of tea.
You can find a Cula Black Biscuit Tea Set on Crest & Co. for $13,590, but be aware that there are only seven left.