Rare Midcentury Restaurant Ware Dessert Plates with Green Cocktail Glass and Hearts by Shenango circa 1954 - Set of Six
{HISTORY}
Hailing from the mid-20th century, this very rare set of dessert plates features a wonderfully whimsical design of a cocktail glass bursting with green sprigs and a bouquet of hearts. Made in 1954 by Shenango China in New Castle, PA the two-toned color palette features dark pine green and sage green hues for contrasting effect.
Although it's unknown at this time who designed this pattern or which dining establishment it was intended for, it's fun to think about all the possibilities of the life these plates once lived. Could they be the featured design work of American artist Richard Koppe (1916-1973) a Metropolitan Museum of Art favorite who designed a similar style of murals at a famous midcentury hotel restaurant in Chicago? Or maybe this pattern is the expressive art of Paul Cook, a lead designer in the art department at Shenango from the 1940s-1970s.
So many custom restaurant ware pieces give away little clues in their unique patterns regarding the types of venues they served or the style of food they embraced. In the case of this pattern, with its hearts and greenery garnish and two-in-one cocktail/wine glass combo perhaps these six were destined for a midcentury cocktail bar or an Irish pub or some sort of social club where camaraderie, conviviality, and good cooking were always on the menu.
That's the fun of collecting vintage restaurant ware. So many delightfully daydreamy scenarios are caught up in the unique style of each and every piece. The mystery of provenance aside, these six are just absolutely lovely for cocktail hour when the drinks are flowing, the hors d'oeuvres are circulating and spirits are merry and bright.
{SPECIAL FEATURES}
- Matching set of 6 plates suited sized for desserts, salads, and appetizers
- Colors include pine green and sage
- Each plate is stamped on the bottom with the maker's mark and date code
{CONDITION}
In lovely vintage condition, these plates contain no chips, cracks, spots or stains. The glaze is shiny and bright throughout and the pattern is crisp and clear on each plate. As expected with vintage restaurant ware, there are some light utensil marks on each plate which can only be seen when they are held at an angle towards a light source.
{SIZE}
Each plate measures 7" inches (diameter) and weighs 15 oz. All together, this set weighs 5.4 lbs.