{HISTORY}

The marvel of the Saffron Crocus is that it delivers two treats in one. Or in this case, three.

First, there are the beautiful purple-shaded petals popping up in the autumn garden after many summer flowers have already gone to bed. Then there are the delicate strands of saffron spice, the stigmas, tucked inside the blossoms, that when dried add so much color to a variety of foods from soups to stew to bread. Finally, there's the flower that blooms on the table in the form of these handpainted plates  - an everlasting bouquet illustrating the most expensive spice in the world. 

From plant to food to table design, the saffron crocus is a true beauty any way you look at it. 

These two salad plates were made in Japan for the luxury home decor brand Horchow, which was first founded in 1973. Handpainted in watercolor shades of pale lavender and blue with Mediterranean sea green, peach, and lemon highlights, these two are an elegant addition to the table and the meal. 

Although we couldn't find an exact date of manufacture the saffron crocus design was part of a botanical series that included other spices like ginger, poppy, fennel, and coriander making them fun collectibles when paired together or striking art pieces when mixed and matched with other vintage dishware. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of two Saffron plates
• Handpainted
• Stamped on back with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, these plates contain no chips, cracks, spots or staining. 

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 7.75" inches (diameter) and weighs 13 oz.