If the bird is to be carved at table, make sure the heated platter is large enough and garnish it lightly with parsley or watercress. There is a subtle art to carving... The Joy of Cooking, 1967

{HISTORY}

In the 1930's, this was how you carved your Thanksgiving turkey and your winter pot roast and your Easter ham... on a large rectangular platter decorated with colorful tulips and a rope style embossed edge. The indented tree design guides juices into the well at the base to eliminate mess on tabletops and cloths. Today, we still use a similar design although many carving platters are now made out of wood. 

This heavy duty ceramic one was made by Harker, the oldest pottery in America between the years 1935-1950. It was part of their Hotoven line which meant that you could place it in an oven to keep it warm before carving your main attraction at the table, ensuring that your food would stay hot while you wowed your guests with presentation. The pedestal style base keeps the platter up off the table and the deep rim around the dish ensured an extra tidy carving experience - an innovative design that was both pretty and practical. A very rare find today, vintage carving platters like this one are a gorgeous nod to the past and to cherished celebrations with friends and family. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Very rare dishware

- Stamped on back with the Harker Pottery Hotoven mark

- Tulip pattern featuring the colors orange, yellow, purple, spring green, tomato red, lavender and black

{CONDITION}

In well loved vintage condition, this platter has definitely seen a party or two. It contains light, delicate crazing throughout and some light staining in a few areas. There is a small 1/4" inch chip on the bottom right corner of the rim. The backside contains a chip on the rim that measures 1" inch x 1" inch but does not affect the use of the dish in anyway.

In the main photo it looks like there is a slight yellow tint at the bottom of the platter in the well area - that is just a reflection from a light as it bounced off the shiny glaze. The second photo - an up close detail shot of the well - shows the accurate colors in that section of the platter.  Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 15"inches (length) x 11.75" inches (width) x 2"inches (height) and weighs 5.5lbs