{HISTORY}

Depending on where you live in the world, rhododendrons symbolize different things to different cultures.  But when it comes to the universal dining table, they are always a stunning emblem of springtime when they burst into flower in the garden and brighten up the landscape in a myriad of shades that range from red to purple to white. 

This set of two porcelain cups and saucers is just bursting with spring and summer appeal. Featuring a bright white rhododendron variety that is tinged at the tips with a blush of magenta pink, these cups are just lovely for a garden-inspired rendevous.  Accented with wispy, light grey sprigs, soft sage and emerald green leaves, and a gold stripe around each rim, they boast a beautiful color palette that is light, refreshing and so complimentary to a variety of other vintage and contemporary dish patterns. 

Made by German porcelain manufacturer, Jaeger & Co. for two American import companies  - Ebeling & Reuss and Home Arts, these cups and saucers feature all three marks between them. Both Jaeger and Ebeling & Reuss had roots established in the 1800s and both were known for their exquisite eye for design detail. Ebeling & Reuss was located in Pennsylvania and specialized in importing dishware from manufacturers all around Europe. That abundance of choice led them to curate gorgeous collections for their clients based on design, craftsmanship, and overall beauty. Likewise, Home Arts imported fine china for the retail market in the 1970s and 1980s.

Having different import marks on each cup means that this set was most likely curated over time from pieces acquired here and there. There is an extra air of joy to collections like this since each piece was sought after and cherished item by item. 

As for the pattern, the rhododendrons are beautiful and are so delicate and elegant that they almost look handpainted. Just as pretty on the interior as they are on the exterior, this pattern is hard to find these days.  The only terrible thing we can say about them is that it is such a shame that there are not more of them.   

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of two cups and two saucers
• Hard to find pattern
• Colors include bright white, gold, sage, mint, emerald, light grey and magenta
• Each bowl is stamped on back with the maker's mark and importer's mark

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, these cups look practically brand new and contain no chips, cracks, spots or staining.

{SIZE}

Each cup measures 3.75" inches (diameter) x 2.25" inches (height) and each saucer measures 6" inches (diameter). Each cup and saucer set weighs 8 oz

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Find more pieces in the Rhododendron pattern here.