Press Release
InsideOut Luxury presents largest ceramic apple in the world
95cm limited edition hand painted apple is signature piece of Royal Blue Collection
InsideOut Luxury presents the largest ceramic, hand painted apple as a limited edition to the
Dutch and international markets. The ceramic apple has been hand painted by Royal Delft
and has a diameter of 95 centimetres. This does not only make this apple the largest apple
of the Royal Blue Collection but also one of the largest objects that have been painted by
Royal Delft by 1653. The manufacture of this special apple has been realized thanks to a
cooperation between InsideOut Luxury with BULL&STEIN and Royal Delft. This collector’s
item with recognizable Delft Blue signature look will be made in a limited edition of only ten
copies and will be deliverable only upon request. The apples will be numbered and will come
with a certificate of authenticity.
Traditional Delft Blue with a modern twist
The ceramic apples, each a unique piece of art rich in symbolism, are part of the previously
introduced Royal Blue Collection and are exclusively designed and issues by InsideOut
Luxury. The unique combination of ceramic sculptures by Lisa Pappon for BULL&STEIN and
the manual painting by Royal Delft result in an extraordinary combination of traditional and
recognizable Dutch ‘Delft Blue’ with a modern design.
From creative dream to reality
“We had to make the apple in Delft Blue. Since my childhood Delft Blue represents to me a
certain kind of class, history, quality, and craft. The art of its manufacture is hidden in the
ancient craft, which is still mastered today by the master painters of Royal Delft. My idea has
been able to be developed into this beautiful and understated collection. With support from
Royal Delft and the people behind BULL&STEIN, designers Lisa Pappon and her business
partner Marcus Bull, the ‘Royal Blue Collection’ was born. I see the launch of the limited
edition 95cm as a crown on this cooperation that started three years ago,” said Sabine
Struycken, CEO of InsideOut Luxury
About InsideOut Luxury
InsideOut Luxury is an exclusive design store where comfort and understated luxury with carefully put
together items are predominant. The offering consists of luxury items, such as special sculptures,
pillows, plaids, and candles for both inside and outside. Each and every item shines in its own
individual beauty and has been made with materials of the highest quality: the most beautiful wool
and purest linen, created by high-quality craftsmanship. Collections by Libeco and Claudia Barbari,
BULL&STEIN, Zoeppritz, and own designs will feature alternatively. www.insideoutluxury.nl
About Royal Delft
Royal Delft, or De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, founded in 1653, is a leading producer of handmade
decorative earthenware (most notably the authentic ‘Delft Blue’) and special ceramics in limited
quantities. In March 2013 it will have been 360 years ago that David Anthonisz van der Pieth got the
approval for producing a paint mill for a majolica pottery. This marked the founding of ‘De Porceleyne
Fles’. In 1919, De Porceleyne Fles received permission to present itself with a royal predicate and
gained national and international fame under the name Royal Delft.www.royaldelft.com
About BULL&STEIN
BULL&STEIN is a German-Brazilian cooperation, founded in Sao Paolo in 2000 by Cynthia Stein and
Marcus Bull. The company is known for its successful production and distribution of premium ceramic
sculptures. The well-known Brazilian artist and designer Lisa Pappon is responsible for developing the
special collection of ceramic apple sculptures. These sculptures are not only indoor ornamentals;
special high temperature heating techniques allow this ceramic artworks also to be placed outside the
house, such as in gardens, on terraces, or landscapes. The apples create a bridge between heaven
and earth when the sun shines on their smooth, enamelled surfaces. Each of these creations has a rich
feeling of history. Every copy has been hand-made with love and attention, with an eye for detail, and
has been individually signed by Lisa Pappon. www.bullstein.com
For more information, imagery, or interview requests, please contact:
InsideOut Luxury
Sabine Struycken – van Wouw
E: info@royalbluecollection.nl
T: +31 (0) 6 54 70 34 53
www.royalbluecollection.nl
Facts & Figures
InsideOut Luxury – Royal Blue Collection
Royal Blue Collection
The entire Royal Blue Collection consists of three lines. The Limited Edition line is the hand
painted line of apples with traditional decoration in sizes of 95, 47 or 39 centimetres. The
apples decorations are designed in a contemporary way. The traditional peacock has been
shown here in a modern, asymmetrical picture. The Series consists of four different sizes (5,
12, 20, and 29 centimetres) and has been carried out different designs. The Custom Made
line includes apples on request, both hand painted as in series of larger quantities. Every
object is provided with a Royal Delft mark and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Painter and imagery
The design of the apple is the result of a cooperation between Sabine and the painter
Caroline Hartman, who has been employed by Royal Delft since 1976. Sabine’s wish was to
design a décor that displayed a rich and traditional decoration in a contemporary way. This
can be seen in the illustration of the peacock and its asymmetry. Caroline’s signature is on
the left of the logo with the initials CHA.
Production Process
The decoration begins with applying contours, after which the majolica painters shape the
details manually with special brushes made out of marten and squirrel hair. The paint is
water-based and the nuances in colour find their origin in how the paint is mixed with the
water. The Delft Blue décor has been painted by a pigment mixture according to a century
old method of preparation, that exists for a majority out of cobalt oxide.
After the biscuit porcelain has been painted by hand it is either submerged in an enamel
bath or treated with an enamel spray. The enamel provides the paint with a white, covering
layer. During the second baking process (‘smooth burning’) the enamel melts at a
temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius to a transparent glass layer, through which the painting
becomes visible again. The chemical and physical reactions between ceramic, engobe, paint,
and enamel at this temperature are characteristic for the typical Delft Blue colour.
Apple
Apples are traditionally seen as a symbol for love, marriage, spring, youth, fertility, and
immortality and also stands for a long life. In Greek, Scandinavian, and Celtic mythology it is
the fruit on which the Gods live in a divine way. The apple’s cultural significance and
symbolism is known throughout the world, indicating that it remains a fascination for people
of different cultures and time periods.
Peacock
More than 4000 years ago the peacock reached Europe by way of Mesopotamia. Originally,
the peacock has been depicted in parks and gardens because of its beauty.
Sales information
The Royal Blue Collection can be bought at InsideOut Luxury’s webshop or through various
points of sale. The Limited Edition is for sale by request through Sabine Struycken. Prices
vary between €49 for 5 centimetre apple and €46,500 for the exclusive Limited Edition hand
painted 95 centimetre apple.