William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2011-12-01 / 12. szám

Take another good look at your

by Kathy Megyeri

I have yet to visit the home of any Hungarian-American that doesn't display at least one piece of Herend china, usually the most valued souvenir one brings back from any Hungarian trip. My small collection of a few little pieces pales beside the full 12-piece place settings that WPA member Maria Kovács of Crown Point, Ind., displays and actually uses for special occasions. For years, Maria used her own money from selling baked goods to buy a piece at a time until she amassed serving dishes and display cases filled with her valuable Herend.

Herend was recently in the news because a new design was created for the wedding of Prince William and his wife, Catherine. This event marked the first time that the pattern could be seen outside of Hungary by anyone other than the royal couple, and slices of their eight-tiered wedding cake were served on plates featuring this pattern.

Other extraordinary pieces, like the rare porcelain reproduction of the crown of the former kings of Hungary, also attract attention whenever Herend is

featured, as it was in August 2011 at the Hungarian embassy in Washington, D.C. There, Herend's master painter, Tamas Klein, demonstrated his skill and explained the history of the different patterns and their unique motifs. "For over 200 years,"he said, "Herend pieces have appealed to those who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship and true luxury."

Klein admitted that it takes at least 10 to 15 years to become a master painter. The manufactory has its own vocational school where the most gifted candidates work in the factory. Since Klein's own family has worked in the factory for two generations, it was never a question for him of what career to choose.

Herend's name is derived from the small town of Herend, located not far from Lake Balaton. Some of my husband's own relatives have been employed there for decades, and many still speak German to one another as they meticulously paint intricate bird and flower designs daily. If the floor inspector finds any flaw, the piece is destroyed. There are no factory seconds placed in the gift shop at reduced prices.

A special dinner at the home of Maria Kovács is served on her collec-i ^ t/'on of Herend china\