To the artisticaly inclined, an infinite variety of surprises in the way of table decorations is possible. Annie Gregory, 1902

{HISTORY}

Connected with the prominent 19th century Lazarus Straus & Sons family business established in New York City, this antique porcelain plate was made in Schwarzburg, Germany by Rudolstadt Pottery between 1904-1924. Manufactured for the American market, this dish was a result of a relationship established by the Straus family, who imported high-quality dishware from Europe for stock in their own shop in NYC as well as Macy's Department Store. 

Known for selecting the highest quality dishware, the Straus family grew quite a reputation for finding beautiful European serving pieces that would appeal to the American market. This oversized plate is no exception. Most likely used as a charger (a decorative underplate for dinner plates) or a chop plate (the unglamorous word for platters that served larger cuts of meat), this 12.25" inch plate was fired with holes in the back offering the ability to hang it on the wall as well like a display piece. 

Containing a stunning bouquet of flowers including a plum-colored iris and a orange and yellow ranunculus style blossom, this server is a beautiful work of art. With no visible utensil marks or any signs of previous wear, this charger most probably was appreciated as a wall art piece in a kitchen or dining area.  Containing the brightest whitest porcelain and an array of sunny shades it no doubt livened up the room with an array of color.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include plum, blueberry, raspberry, celery, mint, tangerine, butter, grape, gold, peach and sage

- Holes for plate hanging wires already built in to the back

- Marked with the green Schwarzburg shield on the back

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous anytique condition. No chips r cracks, but there is one manufacturing flaw in near the inner rim which looks like a slight surface chip but upon close inspection appears to be a part of the plate which did not get covered with glaze before firing.  This is a very insignificant flaw, barely notice (and hard to photograph!) and measures just 1/8th of an inch in length. Please see photo. 

{SIZE}

Measures 12.25" inches in diameter and weighs 2.6 lbs

{LEARN MORE}

Read more about  the Lazarus Straus family and their impact on early department store dishware here.