...And the thoughts that are blown with the scent of the fern/ Are as new and as old as the world. Sam Walter Foss. American Poet (1858-1911)

{HISTORY}

By the time this Fernwood platter was made in the 1940s, the Edwin M. Knowles China Company was the third largest china-making company in the United States. Employing close to 1000 workers in their Newell, West Virginia plant, they produced a range of dishes for both home and hotel use.

The green leafy pattern, known as Fernwood, was designed by Virginia Hamill (1898-1980), one of the first American women to work in the industrial design field.  It was made in October 1949 and features two sets of fern swags against an ivory background full of delicate crazing. Virginia was involved in all aspects of the domestic design industry including market research, where she conducted fieldwork that determined style trends based on colors, shapes and imagery that most appealed to midcentury women. 

Ferns are ideal dishware imagery since they signify sincerity, fascination and confidence - three fitting attributes when it comes to presenting food and entertaining friends.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Clear, crisp imagery

- Delicate light crazing marks

- Gold rim

- Stamped on back with Knowles pottery market and date of manufacture

- Colors included in this platter are lime green, emerald green, lentil green, brown

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. The gold rim bears some rub marks. Very light stain marks on front, slightly darker on back. Beautiful, light crazing marks. No chips or cracks. 

 {SIZE}

Measures 13.5" inches (length) x 10" inches (width).

{STYLE IDEA}

Gorgeous for wall display or serving purposes, this platter looks especially pretty paired with other green, ivory or gold dishes on the table or vintage botanical prints on the wall. The offset leaf design also makes an attractive centerpiece holder for an artistic display of candles or flower arrangements.