Mid-Century modern dinnerware is both functional and fun which makes it the perfect collectible. With bright colors and fantastic atomic and space age inspired themes from the 1950’s, mid century modern dinnerware are again as cool as they always were.
Created by legendary dinnerware and mid century modern furniture designers like: Russel Wright and Mary Wright, Charles Eames and Ray Eames, Eva Zeisel, George Nakashima, George Nelson, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Milo Baughman, Paul Evans, Gladding, McBean & Company, Metlox, Royal China Company, Syracuse China and many more.
The Homer Laughlin China Company was a key player in this now vintage kitchenware from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. Some of the other players include the Hall China Company.
But the Japanese also played a major part in their era. Designer houses like Arita, with hand painted dragon designs, Kokura ware, Nikko ware, Ri Sampei (the "father" of Japanese porcelain), Nippon Toki Kasha Company, Dai Nippon and many others.
Usually made of porcelain, these vintage finds are often most noticeable because of their colorful designs, vintage blue or vintage red detailing and luxurious hand painted designs.
Patterns can include; Geisha's and Gardens, dragons, nature, animals (like Koi fish), flowers and fauna, floral motifs and other symbolic icons from the regions they were created in.
Often portrayed with beautifully delicate Gold Accents.
This Fantastic Viking Design Casserole featuring Pop Fish was Create by Christine Reuter for Villeroy and Boch in the 60's. Viking is a cool Mid Century Modern design with Blue fish against a white background. This Oval Covered casserole Dish Measures 12" by 7.5" by 4" deep. It is 5.5" tall with the lid and is in Excellent Vintage Condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing. There are only two tiny spots, on one fish, on one side where the motif is scratched off. Otherwise, this Beautiful example is in Like New Condition, Inside and Out. More photos upon request. Made in Luxembourg.
The hardest thing with collecting mid century classic china, is to find a complete set in excellent condition. As china, they can often be chipped or cracked. The designs can be faded, especially the gold detailing which can be missing in places.
The pedigree of the collections can be found in the watermark signatures on each item. Naturally you have to be aware of forgeries and clones, but that’s something we can’t describe on a single article. It comes from serving in the industry for decades.
The other thing we strive for is exclusivity. We don’t pick things up in a thrift store. They tend to be mass produced popular items which are ubiquitous.
Most of our collections come from private collections and Estate sales which have been stored in China cabinets.
We started our first “vintage finds” store in the 2000’s. Our first Etsy store was in 2017 and now you can find us on Etsy as store Mary’s Red Barn;
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarysRedBarn
We often have up to a hundred different vintage listings at a time.
Come and join us on our journey for the best vintage finds and complete your classic dinnerware and fine china.