Family dramas. European dynasties. And one guy's passion to do things differently. Meet the simple platter with the complicated past.

{HISTORY}

The Haviland's were an American family who moved to Limoges, France in the 1850's to set up a china factory so that they could export high-quality French dishes back to America. A prestigious dynasty and a world class reputation were quickly established, making Haviland and Co. artistically superior over other Limoge based dish makers. 

Passed down through generations, the Havilland brand broke into several variations as family members competed against one another for business. Johann Haviland was actually Jean Haviland, grandson of the first American Haviland's to leave New York and head across the ocean to France. Jean wanted to break away from the formality of the French factory so he moved to Germany and started his own brand capitalizing off the family name.

But Jean had no interest in producing highly decorated, ornate china patterns. His heart lay in simple designs that were moderately priced so that average Americans could enjoy beautiful pieces. He also wanted to capture the bulk quantity hotel market. Because of his price point and his interest in bulk quantities of similar styles, Jean's china pieces were not considered as luxurious nor as fine a quality as his more exquisite French Haviland relatives. 

Today however, the simple designs of Johann Haviland make serving food wonderfully attractive and so effortless and easy. True, his dishes may not contain a lot of flourish and color or be as delicate in composition as Haviland and Co limoges but they are strong and classic and match just about anything.

This platter was made sometime around the 1970's and is part of the Johann Haviland Platinum Riviera pattern.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Simple, classic, bright white design

- A thin platinum stripe runs around the edge of the rim 

{CONDITION}

In lovely condition. No chips, cracks or stains. some very light rubbing parts of the platinum stripe. 

{SIZE} 

Measures 13" inches (length) x 9.5" inches (width) 

{STYLE IDEA}

If you need a platter for every occasion... one that looks good serving all types of food... in all types of situations... then you can never go wrong with this classic, vintage Johann Haviland mid-size marvel. 

Because of its simple, minimalist design, this platter is perfect for masculine or feminine households and works with every type of food imaginable. Just like a blank canvas, it's ready for your creativity. Whether you include it among your stack of functional serving pieces or you incorporate it into your space in some sort of stylish display, things will never be complicated when it comes to this vintage piece.