Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus

{HISTORY}

Just a couple of years before Salem China Co. closed their doors forever in 1967, they made this dishware pattern called Maple Leaf.

In those days, if you were a frequent shopper at your local grocery or hardware store, you'd see Maple Leaf pieces advertised in the sales section, where you could complete your entire set piece by piece, week by week at discounted prices. Typically with every $5.00 you spent on groceries, one piece of dishware would be available for a deeply discounted price (usually between $0.10-$0.20 per dish). Generally, the promotion would run over the course of three months, and each week a new dish from the pattern would be the featured discount item of the week. This type of promotion gave shoppers ample time to build up their collections at affordable prices. 

It's easy to see how Maple Leaf would have been an ideal pattern for such a promotion. With its year-round appeal and soft, neutral color palette, it had widespread adaptability that could change with the seasons with just a few minor decor adjustments. Teacups in this pattern are fun to collect because they are rare finds these days and they differ significantly from the Maple Leaf coffee cups which feature an all green solid color. 

Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we love these four for their wispy, willowy, delicate pattern and color arrangement. The leaves look almost handpainted and there is gorgeous contrast between the light green and dark brown shades. 

When the air turns cool and crisp in the fall, this is the type of cup you reach for to revel in the cozy season about to unfold.

*Newspaper clip courtesy of the Nevada State Journal February 25, 1965

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of four

- Stamped on bottom with the USA mark

- Colors include sage, mint, nutmeg, walnut, butter, and lemon

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks. Some light crazing can be seen on the bottom of three of the four cups. 

{SIZE}

Each cup measures 3.75" inches (diameter) x 2.25" inches (height) and weighs 5 oz.