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Understanding
Hermès
From saddlery to the art of living — understanding Hermès objects, celebrated porcelain patterns and the composition of a table service.
Hermès began in 1837 as a harness and saddlery workshop. The house was therefore not originally a fashion brand, but a culture of useful, durable and perfectly crafted objects. Over successive generations, this expertise expanded into leather goods, travel, silk and finally the home: porcelain, silverware, furniture and desk objects.
01
A house born from horses and travel
Thierry Hermès initially made harnesses, before the house developed bespoke saddles at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré. As lifestyles changed, Hermès adapted its craftsmanship to luggage, bags, travel accessories and everyday objects. Motifs of straps, bits, chains and saddlery remain a constant visual memory today.
02
Celebrated porcelain patterns
Toucan, Siesta, Balcon du Guadalquivir, Mosaïque au 24 and Cheval d’Orient each evoke a different world: tropical birds, vegetation, Andalusian ironwork, Faubourg architecture or an equestrian imagination. A service is identified not only by its pattern, but also by its shapes, backstamp, palette and the number of pieces actually assembled.
03
Building, completing or collecting a service
A complete set is rare, but a partial service can be highly elegant and entirely practical. Charger, dinner, soup and dessert plates are distinguished from tea, coffee and serving pieces. When completing an older pattern, differences in marks, colour or production generation may need to be accepted while maintaining visual coherence.
04
Condition, backstamps and combinations
Check for chips, cracks, surface scratches, wear to gold or platinum and consistency of the glaze. The backstamp identifies the house and sometimes the porcelain manufacturer, but must be interpreted alongside the pattern. On the table, Hermès porcelain works particularly well with Puiforcat or Christofle silverware, fine glassware and contemporary pieces.
Key dates
1837Thierry Hermès opens a harness workshop in Paris, founded on lightness, strength and precision of craftsmanship.
1880The house moves to 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where bespoke harnesses and saddles are made.
1922Émile Hermès introduces the zip fastener and guides the transition from saddlery to luggage and modern leather goods.
1993–1995Hermès Maison gradually expands its universe of tableware, decorative objects and furniture.
Depending on new arrivals, the gallery offers complete or partial Hermès services, serving pieces, travel objects and accessories for the home.
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