It's function. That's what I was always attracted to... Viktor Schreckengost, 2006

{HISTORY}

Designed by influential 20th-century American industrial artist, Viktor Schreckengost (1906-2008), this vintage sugar bowl was made in Sebring, Ohio by American Limoges between the 1940s-1950s. Known as the Treasure Island pattern in the Triumph shape, this sugar bowl features a pastel peach stripe, gold laurel leaves around the rim, and horizontal handles. Originally, it came with a lid that contained a flower basket bouquet pattern and an off set vertical knob that matched the handles, but somewhere along its 70-year journey the two parted ways. 

Viktor was too much of an important designer to toss this cute little sugar bowl to the wayside. Still very functional for use as a vase or plant holder, a catchall or an open sugar bowl, its unique shape is quite eye-catching and its simple gold and peach color palette quite accommodating when it comes to mixing and matching. 

Viktor began designing dinnerware for American Limoges in the 1930s. His style combined traditional themes with artistic shapes, textures, and modern designs. Treasure Island featured a unique color palette and an interesting shape known as Triumph.  Viktor's dinnerware designs were just one example of the unique way he looked at the world, which in turn inspired all sorts of other artists and design choices made across many different fields including toys, transportation, kitchenware and fine art. So influential was Viktor in the design world, that he was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2006.

As for American Limoges... inspired by the delicate porcelain of Limoges, France this U.S.-based pottery was founded in 1900 in Sebring, Ohio, and was originally known as the Limoges China Company.  They specialized in thin-walled china for the American market with a belief that American porcelain-style dishware could be just as attractive as the French equivalent. 

But when a fire broke out and destroyed everything the pottery had built, including formulas and designs, they changed gears and started making more durable earthenware dishes with similar delicate designs often found in porcelain patterns. Again, the Limoges China Company had something to prove.

This time, it was that American earthenware was just as superior as esteemed English earthenware.  Beautifully designed and successful in distribution, the Limoges Company (of America) was bustling by the 1930s. Creating not only artistic designs full of elegant patterns and beautiful color palettes, they were also at the forefront of innovation when it came to manufacturing processes within the pottery plant.  

After the French Limoge pottery in France caught wind of the great success of the designs and the similar name, The Limoges China Company had to change its name in order to avoid a lawsuit. Again they evolved and became the American Limoges Company - a name change sufficient enough to calm everyone down in the industry. By the 1950s, unfortunately, this evolution was not as successful as the last. The American Limoges Company went bankrupt and closed its doors in 1955. 

This sugar bowl reflects Viktor's unique design eye and American Limoges' mission to create elegant, artistic American pottery. Even without its original lid, it is still quite a dynamic art piece. 

Photos of Viktor and his work courtesy of the Archives of American Art.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include pale peach, gold, pink, raspberry, almond, blueberry, butter and spring green

- Stamped on back with American Limoges mark and pattern name

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. There are no chips cracks, spots or staining with the exception of a barely noticeable pencil-point-sized chip on the bottom rim of the base. Please note this sugar bowl is missing its original lid. 

{SIZE}

Measures 5" inches (handle to handle) x 3.75" inches (diameter) x 3" inches (height) and weighs 7 oz. 

{FOR THE LOVE OF TREASURE ISLAND}

Find more pieces in this pattern in the shop here.