Enchanting symbols of beauty and elegance, pink orchids are often associated with joy and grace.

{HISTORY}

In the 1940s, when you wanted to serve something exotic, this was the platter you reached for to present your famous Hawaiian Grilled Chicken or your favorite Garlic and Ginger Smothered Steaks or your party-pleasing Pineapple Marinated Pork Chops or any other type of tropical-themed food served right off the grill. 

Made by Royal China in 1945, this Blue Orchid pattern features a colorful center floral bouquet and an elegant soft blue band around the rim. 

Hefty in size and weight, it's round shape was originally intended for serving large pieces of meat, poultry or seafood hot off the grill. But chop plates, despite their unromantic names, also make wonderful servers for passing around desserts, hors d'oeuvres or even cocktails too. 

Pretty designs and feminine style were a part of the Royal China aesthetic right from the very beginning. First established in 1930 in Sebring, Ohio, they quickly became trendesetters in the industry. Not only did they invent a revolutionary stamping machine, but they also boasted a female founder, a true rarity in the dishware manufacturing industry. 

In the beginning, years, while the Great Depression was challenging businesses across the country, Royal China came up with an inventive plan to hire workers on a delayed payment system so that the pottery could establish a strong foundation without the expense of immediate overhead costs.  This unorthodox practice was intended to give the pottery a leg up in the face of competition and if done right would secure future success and growth for all employees. Luckily, this combination of creative management and faithful employees proved to be a great success.  Eventually, Royal China became the third-largest dishware producer in the country. 

Nowadays, this platter is just lovely for spring and summer gatherings, for elegant tiki-themed parties, and for mix-and-match tablescapes that feature other orchid-inspired dishware. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Large size

- Colors include spring green, blueberry, pale pink, raspberry, plum and butter yellow

- Stamped on back with maker's mark and pattern name and also bears the stamp of the National Brotherhood of Operative Potters, a labor union that was founded in 1890 for the pottery industry and operated through 1952 before it changed names to the International Brotherhood of Pottery and Allied Workers

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. This platter bears light crazing and a little bit of light rubbing on the inner gold stripe. There is a small chip on the backside of the platter that measures 1/4" inch in length near the rim. This chip is not apparent from the front. Please see the photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 12" inches in diameter and weighs 2lbs.