3 August 2025  Ceramics as Cultural HeritageGmundner Keramik, headquartered in the town of Gmunden on the shores of Austria's Traunsee, is more than just a ceramics manufacturer. With roots reaching back to the 15th century, the company has long been regarded as a cultural asset of Austrian domestic life. For generations, its handcrafted tableware—particularly the unmistakable Grüngeflammt and Blaugeflammt designs—has played a central role in everyday meals and festive gatherings alike.What began as a regional craft has become a household presence across Austria, embedded in memories of Sunday lunches, alpine holidays, and everyday rituals. In this context, Gmundner ceramics stand not only as objects of beauty and utility but also as markers of continuity and belonging. A Shared Table at the LakeThis summer, Gmundner Keramik invites us to view the Austrian lakeside lifestyle through the lens of tradition. Their recent imagery and press story depict a scene familiar to many Austrians: a holiday home by the lake, a family reunited across generations, and a table set under open skies. The scent of fresh bread and coffee drifts through the house, laughter echoes from the kitchen, and the table becomes a focal point for shared moments.These glimpses into Austrian summer life have been brought to life through a collaboration between Gmundner and Marian, a family-run electric boat manufacturer based at Wolfgangsee. Marian, known for combining timeless design with innovative e-mobility on water, partnered with Gmundner in July to launch a collection centered on the Navy Blue Striped ceramic line—evoking the deep hues of alpine lakes and maritime elegance. In the photos, this dark blue flamed tableware—some pieces prominently bearing the "Marian" inscription—shares space with Gmundner's Lobster plates in striking orange-red. Together, they form a stylish lakeside setting: understated, handmade, yet visually impactful. A large pitcher in navy blue glaze rests beside dining plates decorated with lobster motifs—a pairing of nature and craftsmanship, of water and land. Table Decorations and Seasonal CuisineThe Gmundner website offers a wide range of inspiration for table decoration that aligns with Austrian seasonal traditions. Fashion.at looked through the site and found themes ranging from rustic elegance at weddings to festive New Year's Eve glimmer, cozy Christmas tables, and the rich hues of an "Indian Summer." Each setting is thoughtfully curated, tailored to occasions that value warmth, craftsmanship, and seasonal mood—demonstrating how the art of table decoration continues to play a meaningful role in Austrian living.Matching this are seasonal recipes that showcase summer tastes served on the brand's ceramic pieces. Among them: • Mediterranean Tomato Ravioli with Basil Sauce – presented on the Lobster plate • Summer Pasta Salad – served in a navy blue striped bowl on a dark blue flamed ceramic plate • Char Filet on Herb Risotto – also plated on the Blue Flamed collection These dishes underscore how tableware and food intertwine, shaping not just meals but moments. Anchoring a Way of LifeGmundner Keramik doesn't merely produce ceramics—it reflects a way of living. The lakeside moments—set tables, shared meals, and stories told through laughter—capture what makes the Austrian summer experience unique: deep-rooted generational ties, a reverence for craftsmanship, and a sense of mindful togetherness.This philosophy even extends into the arts. For several years, Gmundner has been active in collaborations with contemporary artists. Currently, the Bad People exhibition by Austrian sculptor Erwin Wurm is on display at the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur through January 31, 2026. Known for his humorous and often absurd reinterpretations of human figures, Wurm uses everyday ceramic forms—plates, cups, even tennis balls and tools—to create grotesque but thought-provoking sculptures. Noses, mouths, and distorted faces emerge from porcelain surfaces, reshaping the familiar into something uncanny. Wurm's Bad People series can be read as a playful yet pointed reflection on how we relate to one another—and how even the damage done to something as simple as a plate may reveal deeper social imbalances. By merging the everyday with the absurd, his ceramic figures provoke questions about what we notice, what we neglect, and what we ultimately break—sometimes quite literally. In this light, smashed porcelain becomes a striking metaphor for the fragility of social cohesion and the lasting traces of our actions. And so, at a lakeside table where generations gather and memories are shaped, it's not only the unbroken plates that matter—but also the porcelain we've already smashed, and what that reveals about the way we live together. Because in a world of change, even the smashed—if shared and preserved—can still serve as the strongest anchors. Image: A lakeside landing stage set with a wooden table overlooks clear turquoise water, where a Marian M800 electric boat is docked. On the table, a stylish arrangement of Gmundner Keramik tableware includes pieces from the Blue Flamed and Lobster collections. A striped jug and matching cups from the Navy Blue Striped series, featuring the 'Marian' inscription, highlight the recent collaboration between the two Austrian brands. The scene evokes relaxed, elegant summer dining by the lake. Photo: © Gmundner Keramik |