... let the storm wash the plates. Edwin Morgan 

{HISTORY}

The quote above is from the last line of the poem entitled Strawberries by Edwin Morgan (1920-2010), one of Scotland's most revered poets. It was written as a love poem detailing a moment spent between two people sharing a plate of strawberries and also more amorous activities. It's one of those gorgeous poems that catches you up in the imagery of a delightful experience shared, in the same way that a beautiful platter full of food can captivatingly bring two bring people together to create a memorable meal. 

This vintage restaurant ware platter was made by Syracuse China Company in 1986. It features the Strawberry Hill pattern which was referred to as pink but also could be considered red and white, as the color falls somewhere around the cranberry shade. 

Many pieces of restaurant ware tell distinct stories of specific dining establishments and their brands, but pieces were also produced in mass for general use by all sorts of eateries like roadside cafes, coffeehouses, diners, cafeterias, and luncheonettes who weren't necessarily interested in creating their own branded dishware. This pattern was one of the universal ones that was made between the 1950s and 1980s. With its gorgeous fluted edge and colorful, lacy design, we like to imagine this one spent time at a pie shop or a coffeehouse serving all sorts of sweet treats and fruity confections. 

Strawberry pie served on a Strawberry Hills platter? You bet! Also maybe, shortcake, cookies, cobbler, buckle and bread. Perhaps even a homemade jam or jelly too. The fun of vintage restaurant ware is pairing a meal with a plate (or a platter in this case).

Syracuse China was named after the city where it started (Syracuse, New York) and was a leader in restaurant ware manufacture for over 135 years. Through name changes, company restructuring, competition, and buyouts, Syracuse managed to navigate the changing landscape of the American dish market with style and dedication. Even though they officially closed doors in 2009, the quality and craftsmanship of Syracuse dishware is still much appreciated, admired and collected today.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Strawberry Hills Pattern by Syracuse

- Stamped on back with the 15-B date code and an impressed 8 mark signaling that it was made between June and August of 1986

In lovely vintage condition. The pattern is crisp and clear. There are no chips or cracks and the glaze is very shiny and smooth. When this platter is held at an angle towards a light source you can see signs of utensil marks as expected with vintage restaurant ware, but when viewed straight on, those marks are not noticeable. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11.75" inches (length) x 9.25" inches (width) and weighs just under 2lbs.

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Find more vintage restaurant ware pieces here.