What the work is
Hella Jongerius’s coloured B-Set dates to 2006 and develops the original B-Set of 1997. The studio identifies Royal Tichelaar Makkum as commissioner and producer, and lists it as unlimited production rather than a unique artwork.
How it was made
The studio describes colours obtained both by colouring clay before firing and by applying coloured glaze. These are different interventions in the material, even when the resulting objects belong to the same tableware family.
What works
The project makes variation compatible with a repeatable product. It provides a useful counterexample to the assumption that serial production must seek a completely uniform appearance in every respect.
What does not
Variation should not be confused with an unspecified defect. The studio’s account does not establish every tolerance or performance characteristic; those need the specification of the actual piece being assessed.
What it influenced
The coloured version extends an earlier investigation of individuality in production. That development is documented without requiring the stronger claim that Jongerius invented variation in industrial ceramics.
Is it worth your time
Worth studying in groups and close up. Ask whether colour belongs to the clay or the glaze, then compare the role of variation across several pieces. The manufacturing context matters as much as the individual form.
