Food 52 Just Launched a Stunning, Limited-Edition Dansk Collection That’s a Vintage Lover’s Dreams
If you’re into collecting vintage tableware or retro kitchen items — think bold, mid-century casseroles, wooden serving pieces, and colorful enamelware — then, boy, do I have some exciting launch news for you. Last May, Food 52 acquired heritage home brand Dansk (from Lenox) and inherited their archive, which dates back to the company’s founding in 1954. Today, both brands are paying homage to that storied past by introducing their first-ever Dansk Vintage Drop of about 60 different pieces that you can shop on Food 52 now for an instant dose of old-school Scandi-inspired charm. Collected and authenticated by Dansk brand strategist Christine Muhlke, these pieces take the guesswork and time out of Dansk collecting.
As part of this drop, you can expect Dansk designs in a variety of colors and materials, including wood, metal, enamel, and ceramic. You’ll find pitchers, serving pieces, flatware, and offerings from the iconic Købenstyle category of products, the enamel cookware and dinnerware Dansk is perhaps best known for (marked by its characteristic teak decorative accents and angular, interlocking handles that double as trivets). Pieces are at least 20 years old, but as you can see from Food52’s lifestyle images here, they definitely mix in well into more modern kitchens. There’s only one of each item available though, so you’ll want to act fast if you see something that catches your eye.
In case you miss your chance this time around — or you just can’t get enough Dansk — Muhlke swears by these sourcing and authenticating tips. “When looking for a great vintage Dansk piece, first, I look at the stamp on the bottom: Ideally you want something made in Denmark or France when it comes to Købenstyle and wood, Germany or Japan for flatware, and Denmark or Japan for early ceramics,” she says. “The ‘four ducks’ logo is one of the earliest. And on teak items, the STAVED TEAK stamp is the holy grail.”
For Købenstyle pieces in particular, Muhlke says the zoom function is your friend when checking out photography online. “The enamel can chip over the years, so take a close look at the rim and around the handles, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller for additional photos,” she says.
Since supplies are limited in this exclusive Food52 drop, you can sign up to be notified of the next collection launch by newsletter, as the brands plan on making these vintage Dansk releases a regular occurrence. They are also in the process of re-releasing certain designs, too, so if you want the cute pitcher with a rattan handle shown here, you won’t have to wait much longer for it.