Signature Hermès tableware patterns and their design codes
Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness maker, and its tableware borrows from the same visual world as its silk scarves: equestrian references, botanical studies, travel and precise geometry. Several patterns appear again and again.
- Mosaïque au 24: a graphic pattern drawn from the mosaic floor at the house's Faubourg Saint-Honoré address, often finished with gold or platinum detailing. Its restraint makes it one of the easiest Hermès patterns to give.
- Chaîne d'Ancre: the anchor-chain link, also familiar from Hermès jewellery, translated into a confident border.
- Balcon du Guadalquivir: an ornate, wrought-iron-style motif that suits a more formal table.
Other collections lean into colourful flora and fauna, closer in spirit to a printed carré. For more on the house as a whole, see our Hermès brand guide.
How to choose Hermès tableware as a gift
Start with how the recipient lives rather than the pattern alone.
- A single statement piece such as a cup and saucer, a mug or a small dish suits someone who already has a full dinner service. It reads as a considered gesture without asking them to change their table.
- A pair of cups or plates works well for couples and makes a natural anniversary gift.
- A starter set in one pattern is a generous wedding or housewarming present that can be added to over time, birthday by birthday.
Patterns mix more easily than you might expect, since many share colour families. A neutral, geometric design is the safest choice when you do not know the recipient's taste well. For clients or colleagues, a single boxed piece is discreet and appropriate, and our corporate gifts guide has more ideas.
On budget: Hermès porcelain sits at the top of the luxury tableware market. Price depends on the size of the piece, the complexity of the decoration and whether it carries precious-metal detailing. Even a single cup and saucer is a significant gift, so plan around one or two well-chosen pieces rather than a full setting if the budget is fixed.
Caring for Hermès porcelain
Fine porcelain is durable but deserves respect, especially where gold or platinum is involved.
- No microwave for anything with metallic detailing.
- Hand wash gilded or platinum-edged pieces in warm water with a mild detergent, and dry with a soft cloth. Dishwashers and abrasive sponges wear metal finishes over time.
- Store with care, placing felt or paper between stacked plates to protect glaze and edges.
If you are comparing houses, our wider luxury tableware guide covers other porcelain makers. Tell us the pattern or piece you have in mind and we will come back with options.