Vintage Universal Ballerina Mist Strawflower Gravy Boat circa 1950s
DESIGNED TO ADD FRESH WARM BEAUTY TO EVERY TABLE... (FROM A 1956 UNIVERSAL BALLERINA MIST ADVERTISEMENT)
{HISTORY}
In the early 1950s, Universal Pottery introduced their Ballerina line - a graceful, elegant dishware collection that came in a variety of designer colors so that buyers could mix and match pieces with ease and confidence. First available in solid shades of Chartreuse, Forest Green, Dove Gray, and Burgundy, these color combos ensured eye-catching combinations, and their minimalist style ensured that they'd coordinate with other patterns no matter what the design.
In the mid-1950s, Universal added to the Ballerina line with their Ballerina Mist series which included delicate floral patterns on softly shaded backgrounds. This gravy boat is part of the pattern called Strawflower and features feathery pink flowers on long graceful stems set against a pale mint green background. Originally, it would have come with a matching underplate to catch the drips, but the beautiful thing about the Ballerina series is that each piece is a charmer all on its own, so you won't even miss the secondary companion.
So pretty for spring tablescapes and Easter holiday parties, this gravy boat works overtime as both a food server and a table centerpiece holder if you were so inclined to fill it with a colorful bloom bouquet.
A little tricky to capture just the exact shade of this hue it most closely resembles the lightest green shades of weathered copper or green chicken eggs or the inside of a cucumber with a touch of blue added in. Not quite blue like a robin's egg and not quite green like mint, this very delicate shade looks gorgeous with a host of natural colors that run the gamut from sea shades to wild woodlands.
Made in Cambridge, Ohio, the Ballerina Mist series was made with a special fade-resistant color process known as China-Cal to ensure that the designs would travel the decades as gracefully and effortlessly as a real ballerina dances across the stage. True to form and intention, almost 70 years later, these four bowls are in gorgeous shape.
{SPECIAL FEATURES}
- Ballerina Mist Strawflower pattern with platinum rim
- Hard to find serving piece in this size
- Colors include amethyst, pale pink, milk chocolate, black, grey, white, silver, mint green
{CONDITION}
In gorgeous vintage condition. There are no chips, cracks or staining. There is a small dimple on the inside rim near the spout. This is not a chip but a manufacturing flaw as it is completely glazed over. Please see photo. The platinum rim is in beautiful shape with no rub marks or signs of wear. The floral design is crisp and clear on each side of the boat.
{SIZE}
This gravy boat measures 7.75" inches (length) x 3.5 " inches (width) x 3.75" inches (height) and weighs 10 oz.
{FOR THE COLLECTOR}
Find more pieces in this pattern here.