Maxistrå

Maxistrå

Some designs are timeless not because they copy the past but because they reinterpret it. Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik's Maxistrå (Maxi Straw) series is precisely that: a dinnerware set that takes the straw pattern's over 135-year-old heritage and presents it with a fresh, modern design language. Launched in 2005, and in 2025 expanded with two new colour variants, Maxistrå is one of Porsgrund's most significant contributions to Norwegian dinnerware design in recent times.

What is Maxistrå?

The Maxistrå series is a modern interpretation of the classic Bogstad Stråmønster from 1887, with enlarged and highlighted design elements. This gives the dinnerware an updated and unique look, while preserving Porsgrund's rich traditions. Maxistrå is excellent for combining with other dinnerware series from Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik, creating a varied but harmonious expression on the table. While Bogstad Stråmønster retains the original, detailed floral decor in full size, Maxistrå has selected individual elements from the pattern and enlarged them – so that the decor appears bolder and clearer, yet still unmistakably rooted in the straw pattern tradition.

The designers behind Maxistrå

Maxistrå was designed by Trond Hansen and Ragnhild Wik and launched in 2005. Ragnhild Wik had a background as Head of Design at Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik and is known as one of Norway's most experienced industrial designers in homeware and dinnerware. With Maxistrå, she and Hansen took one of the most recognizable patterns in Norwegian homes and gave it a new, contemporary identity – without losing respect for the original.

As the Store norske leksikon describes it: in Maxistrå, the designers enlarged and modernized the classic 18th-century straw pattern, highlighting Porsgrund's roots in the past and a desire for renewal.

The origin of the straw pattern – the legacy Maxistrå is built on

To understand what Maxistrå is, it's worth knowing the history behind the original. The Straw pattern has roots going back to Meissen in Germany around 1740, inspired by the blue-painted porcelain art of the Ming Dynasty and the brushwork of Chinese calligraphers. In Norway, Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik has produced the Straw pattern since its first firing in 1887, and the Bogstad Straw pattern – the original itself – is still hand-painted by the factory's straw painters in Porsgrunn to this day. It is in this craft, over 135 years old, that Maxistrå is visually rooted. The pattern is referred to by experts as the "eternal pattern," believed to be one of the world's oldest porcelain patterns. Maxistrå carries this legacy forward – in a form adapted to our time.

White gold – the material behind Maxistrå

All Maxistrå variations are made from high-fired feldspar porcelain – the material Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik has used since its establishment in 1887, traditionally known as "white gold." It is characterized by:

  • A translucent white appearance with a clear, glossy glaze
  • 100 percent impermeability – no liquid absorption
  • Very high robustness suitable for daily use
  • Pure natural materials with no additives
  • Fully dishwasher safe

This is the same high porcelain quality that forms the basis of all Porsgrund's traditional dinnerware sets, ensuring that Maxistrå products are made to last for generations.

Three variants – blue, pink, and beige

Maxistrå is currently available in three color variations, all sharing the same enlarged straw pattern and timeless shape:
  • Maxistrå blå

    Maxistripe blue

    Maxistrå Blue is the original variant from 2005. Here, the straw pattern appears in the characteristic blue color against white porcelain – the same combination that has defined Porsgrund's visual identity since 1887. Maxistrå Blue is part of Porsgrund's family of classic blue dinnerware.

    Maxistripe blue
  • Maxistrå beige

    Maxistrå beige

    Maxistrå Beige was launched in 2025, together with the color pink, and is a reinterpretation in a soft, warm beige shade. It gives your table setting a harmonious and natural look, and stands out for its great versatility – perfect for both everyday meals and festive occasions.

    Maxistrå beige
  • Maxistrå rosa

    Maximum-strength pink

    Maxistrå Rosa was launched in 2025 and gives the familiar straw pattern a soft, feminine touch in a muted pink. This variant adds warmth and a hint of modern romance to your table setting, and works just as well on its own as in combination with white porcelain or natural...

    Maximum-strength pink

Combine freely – one pattern, many expressions

One of Maxistrå's great qualities is its flexibility. The three colour variations can be combined with each other, and the series also blends well with Ministrå, Bogstad Stråmønster, Bølge Stråmønster and Bluebird – all from Porsgrund's family of blue dinnerware classics. The shapes are timeless and functional, making it easy to create a personalised dinnerware set across series and colours.
  • Ministrå

    Minister

    Ministrå is a modern and simplified version of the traditional Bogstad Straw Pattern. The collection preserves the delicate, hand-painted character of the original while introducing an updated, contemporary style. Ministrå combines classic elegance with a fresh, modern expression, making it perfect for both everyday use and special occasions. With its...

    Minister
  • Bluebird

    Bluebird

    Bluebird is a cozy and nostalgic tableware collection designed by Maud Bugge. Rooted in Porsgrund’s history—where blue and white have always been central colours—the Bluebird collection blends tradition with modern design. Its charming bluebird pattern brings a fresh and light atmosphere to the table.

    Bluebird
  • Bogstad stråmønster

    Bogstad straw pattern

    Bogstad Straw Pattern is our oldest and most tradition-rich tableware collection, hand-painted by Porsgrund’s finest porcelain painters in accordance with heritage craftsmanship and original design. This fine porcelain set is a quality product that has been produced at Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik since its founding in 1887. Each piece is made to...

    Bogstad straw pattern
  • Wave straw

    Bølge Strå combines the iconic, hand-painted straw pattern with a modern wave shape, creating a tableware collection that blends tradition with innovative design. This fine porcelain set has been hand-painted by Porsgrund’s most skilled porcelain painters, making each plate a unique work of art. Crafted to last for generations, Bølge...

    Wave straw

That's why many choose Maxistrå

Maxistrå is for you who:

  • Want the rich tradition of the straw pattern in a modern and distinct design language
  • Want dinnerware that can be adapted – whether you prefer classic blue, warm beige, or a soft pink tone
  • Appreciate the freedom to mix and match with other Porsgrund series
  • Value Norwegian design heritage and high-quality porcelain

With design by Trond Hansen and Ragnhild Wik, and with roots in one of the world's oldest porcelain patterns, Maxistrå represents the best of Norwegian design tradition – brought into a new era.