Connecting Cultures: The New SAN Edition ELSE
For centuries, Gmundner Keramik has stood for Austrian craftsmanship and timeless ceramic design. At the same time, the manufactory sees table culture not merely as an aesthetic and high-quality arrangement, but as a stage for art, for stories, and for the encounter of diverse cultures. With the SAN Collection, an extraordinary series of tableware was created — a project that combines indigenous motifs with Austrian artisanal tradition. Now, the design line is being expanded with the new ELSE Edition, based on the works of artist Else Dam, who translates the colors, forms, and values of Namibia into delicate, expressive motifs.
Art as a Bridge Between Continents
The ELSE Edition continues a project initiated in 2022 by owner Markus Friesacher. In the heart of the Kalahari Desert lives the indigenous San people – carriers of an ancient culture whose knowledge and craftsmanship are at risk of disappearing. For Friesacher, this was not only a source of artistic inspiration but also a call to responsibility: to make the rich cultural heritage of the San visible while actively supporting their community. In on-site workshops, San artistsbrought their designs to paper — drawings that express their deeply rooted identity and their connection to nature through warm colors and organic patterns. These ideas found their way to Austria, where they were transformed into unique pieces through the centuries-old craftsmanship of Gmundner Keramik.
A Tribute to the Diversity and Power of Nature
The motifs of the new ELSE Edition also draw their inspiration from the untouched landscapes of Namibia. Soft sand tones, reflected in the color gradients on the ceramics, echo the beauty and diversity of nature. At the heart of the design lies a central symbol: the heart – a sign of noble values, strength, and humanity. It forms the core of Else Dam’s artistic vision. Initially sketched on paper, the delicate forms and colors are then carefully translated onto ceramics in close collaboration with the master artisans at the Gmundner workshops.
Design Meets Responsibility
The SAN Collection is much more than just plates, cups, and bowls with an African touch — it is an expression of respect and cultural appreciation. Each piece tells stories from the Kalahari: of sand dunes, the play of colors in nature, and the deep connection of the San people to the earth. At the same time, the sale of these ceramics provides the San community with a source of income, creates new opportunities, and helps preserve their rich cultural heritage.
In the fine details and warm tones of the ELSE Edition, the mission of Gmundner Keramik becomes tangible: to connect people and cultures through the power of art, to inspire hope, and to highlight the value of traditions. Each piece is a handmade original — a living fragment of cultural history.
