On certain occasions, art can shake very ordinary spirits, and whole worlds can be revealed by its clumsiest interpreters. Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880)

{HISTORY}

Containing a pattern designed in 1927 by H.G. Aitken, a ceramic designer for the Syracuse China/Onondaga Pottery Co, and then handpainted by an in-house decorator, this almost one-hundred-year-old platter is a true work of art. Most restaurant ware was not hand-painted since it was reproduced usually in significant quantity and often times carried logos or pattern decal designs reflecting specific companies. But in the early years, there was a preference by some hoteliers and restaurateurs for a hand-touched aesthetic that they felt added warmth, personality, and artistic style.

This platter is one such example. Combining Harry's under-glaze floral basket pattern that he patented in November 1927, with the handpainted details in blue and green added by an in-house decorator, this platter is a shining example of just the kind of unique character some hospitality businesses were looking for. When applied to dishes, the basket imagery itself was a stencil that contained dots so that a china decorator could then follow the dotted areas and hand paint the designs. More labor intensive than a decal, this style of ceramic art was produced by Syracuse until the early 1940s, when decals took over in popularity.

There is no mark as to what dining establishment this platter was intended for, so instead of a place, this restaurant ware dish tells best the story of the people you made it. A fun surprise on back includes the decorator's mark in green who handpainted this piece.

Large in size, this platter is great for serving bigger pieces of meat, fish, and poultry or heaping piles of pasta, salad, or fruit. The color palette would look particularly lovely with red new potatoes, blueberries, rhubarb, and spring salad greens.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Large size

- Handpainted

- Old Ivory clay tint

- Hard to find pattern

- Colors include navy blue, red plum, pale pink, mustard, lime green

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous condition. No chips, cracks or stains.

{SIZE}

Measures 16" inches (length) x 11.5" inches (width) and weighs 3lbs. 11oz.

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Fall in love with more stories from far-flung places with our collection of vintage restaurant ware here. This platter pairs particularly nicely with this vintage cup and saucer from the Johannesburg Country Club.