Learn more about several collectible brands and designers of ceramic dishware dating to the 1950s and ’60s. The “original" colors were red (which looks more orange in color as shown here), yellow, cobalt blue, light green, ivory, and turquoise—which was added to the line in 1937. The “1950s colors,” as described by avid Fiesta fans, include chartreuse, forest green, gray, and rose, first seen in 1951. Medium green was introduced in 1959. Together, these colors make up “the standard 11” in collecting terms, and help to date the dishes. Harlequin is another Homer Laughlin pattern originally launched in the 1930s. It was made through 1964. This pattern looks similar to Fiesta and was made in many of the same colors, but these dishes have a plain band around the rims and handles that resemble triangles on the lids and cups. Some popular Mid-Century Franciscan patterns include Starburst (often called Atomic Starburst by marketers), Oasis, and Cypress. The Oasis pattern has been recently reproduced in plastic in a similar design along with matching drinking glasses and ceramic coffee mugs. The more popular of these two lines was Tomorrow’s Classic, once described as “America’s fastest-selling modern dinnerware.” This line was produced with many different patterns adorning the basic-yet-modern shapes of plates, bowls, and interesting serving pieces. One variation saw pieces decorated with black on the outer surfaces and white on the inside for a striking contrast. The Century line was also made in a variety of patterns. While the shapes of these dishes are equally as interesting and the patterns pleasing, it did not sell as well as Tomorrow’s Classic when it was introduced. It’s also interesting to note that Zeisel designed a line of dinnerware for Red Wing Pottery called Town & Country that is said to have been inspired by the look of American Modern dinnerware (see Russel Wright below). This company made many different dinnerware lines, and by the 1960s their dishware sales were booming. While most were traditional-looking patterns with flowers, fruit, and other common motifs, several 1950s sets from the Poppytrail line in the Freeform shape had great Mid-Century appeal. In 1958, Metlox acquired the Vernon Kilns name and molds, and some of those patterns followed suit. Look for “atomic” patterns such as Heavenly, Anytime, Aztec (as shown here), and Mobile, among others. Since these lines were readily available in major department stores, brides easily added the sets they wanted to their registry lists—further boosting sales. Patterns like Blue Heaven, Autumn Haze, Star Glow, and Aria all have the modern flair that collectors relish finding today. Identifying these patterns is easy since many of them are marked with the name as part of an equally modern-looking back stamp. An interesting side note is that Royal China was acquired by Jeannette Glass Company in 1970. Later both the glass and china divisions were purchased by Coca-Cola Bottling Co., according to the Sebring Ohio Historical Society’s website. Especially of interest is the American Modern tall pitcher. At the time it was introduced, there was nothing else like it on the market. The set was also affordably priced, which made it attractive to homemakers on a budget. The pattern is still being made today by Bauer Pottery. Wright also designed a line of modernist dinnerware for Iroquois China Company named Casual that was in production from 1947 to 1967. It was made of more durable material than American Modern in a similar-yet-expanded muted color palette. Then there were the dinnerware lines made for home use. Like so many other China companies, Syracuse had various lines, or shapes, that were decorated with different patterns. A number of those produced in the 1950s and ’60s appeal to Mid-Century dinnerware enthusiasts today. Among these is the Trendline introduced in 1955, and the Carefree line first made in 1957. One of the patterns applied to Trend design is a modernist pattern named Jubilee (as shown here). Those favoring Scandinavian design from the period would likely gravitate to the blue and green Nordic pattern on the Carefree design.
