{HISTORY}

Made by Taylor Smith Taylor in April 1924, this art deco pattern features pink thistle flowers mixed with black diamonds, dots, lines, and two pencil-thin gold stripes on the shoulder.

Made in TS&T's Iona shape, its long length yet thinner width and simple, unembellished rim give it a more unique shape among antique platters. Made during the Roaring 20s, in that golden sliver of time that exuded gaiety and frivolity between WWI and the Great Depression years, this Iona shape in the 1920s was often advertised as being especially pretty for breakfast and luncheon service, thanks to its simple design and quiet beauty.  

During the decade in which this platter was made, Taylor Smith Taylor was producing dinnerware for both the domestic retail market and the hospitality industry. Being a very hard TST pattern to find now, this platter could have been made for either serving environment, giving it a sense of mystery as to where and with whom it spent time in the past.  A busy boarding house, a big family kitchen, a hotel dining room,  a roadside restaurant, a college dining hall… there re so many places and possibilities when it comes to imagining its life in the past.

Some very light pencil point-sized dots and one tiny stain suggest that this platter was part of festive mealtimes in whatever dining establishment it served. Also, an interesting note on this platter is the slightly askew placement of a section of floral transferware. Perhaps the decorator, handling her last piece of the day, was in a hurry and rushed through the application. 

Decorating circumstances aside, this errant slightly askew flaw when viewed 102 years later is quite endearing. And also very befitting for the symbolism that thistles imbue— protection, bravery, courage, and strength. Indeed, it takes all four attributes to travel across a century while staying all in one piece.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Large size

- Colors include ice pink, celadon, black, bright, white, and gold

- Art deco design

- Stamped on back with maker's mark, pottery shape, and date code 

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this platter contains no chips or cracks. There is one small stain on the front measuring 1/4 inch in diameter and a series of tiny, tiny pencil-point-sized dots (about 8 in total ) along the well area on the bottom edge. Both sets of gold striping contain some wear in areas. The transferware is crisp, clear, and vibrant in color palette.

{SIZE}

Measures 15.25 inches (length) x 10.75 inches (width) and weighs 3.5 lbs