Wave bowl – small – Georg Jensen

The Henning Koppel collection for Georg Jensen, part of the Danish brand's ongoing range, is a celebration of modernist Scandinavian design. Created by designer and sculptor Henning Koppel (1918-1981), this collection, which began in the 1940s, remains iconic for its unique combination of functionality and organic forms.

Koppel's designs for Georg Jensen are distinguished by their fluid, sculptural lines, breaking with the strict conventions of functionalism to embrace lively, organic forms. Inspired by his background as a sculptor, trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and the Académie Ranson in Paris, Koppel has infused everyday objects with artistic sensibility. 

For example, his iconic Koppel pitcher, designed in the 1950s, features a fluid and elegant silhouette, now available in stainless steel or new matte colors such as pistachio, iconic blue, or lavender, inspired by his original sketches. These pieces, whether porcelain tableware, cutlery, or candleholders, combine modern aesthetics with tactile warmth, embodying the essence of Danish design.

The Koppel collection is designed to be both beautiful and practical, in keeping with Koppel's mission to enhance everyday objects. The tableware, including fine porcelain plates and dishes, is manufactured using modern techniques to ensure durability and everyday use, while retaining the elegance of 1960s designs. 

Candleholders, such as those made of sterling silver or steel, hold tapered candles or tea lights, diffusing a soft light for a refined ambiance. Wall clocks, such as the Koppel Wall Clock, revisit the original 1960s designs with minimalist lines and simplified hour markers, perfect for contemporary interiors. All pieces are designed to last for generations, combining robustness and timeless aesthetics.

Designer

Henning Koppel

Henning Koppel (1918–1981) was born on May 8, 1918, in Copenhagen, Denmark, into a cultured family; his father was the editor-in-chief of a newspaper and his mother was a pianist. From his teenage years, Koppel showed a talent for drawing, which led him to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938.

In 1945, Koppel joined Georg Jensen, revolutionizing the brand with his modernist style. His jewelry, such as the “Amibe” necklace (1948), and his iconic Koppel pitcher (1952) introduced organic forms, breaking with traditional Art Nouveau motifs.

Koppel combined functionality with sculptural aesthetics. His works include the Caravel cutlery (1957), porcelain tableware (1960s), and the Koppel wall clock (1960), all marked by fluid lines inspired by nature. His design, described as “living functionalism,” elevates everyday life.

Koppel received gold medals at the Milan Triennale (1951, 1954, 1957) and the Lunning Prize (1953). His pieces, exhibited at MoMA and the Designmuseum Danmark, remain icons of Scandinavian design.