Erte’ Plates by Mikasa
Remembrance-Ebony by Noritake Crystal
Tucano (Stainless) by Sasaki Flatware

(Click To Enlarge)

Produced by Mikasa, Erte’ Plates is a beautiful series of collectible bone china decorated with Art Deco designs by Erte, the artist and designer widely considered to be the father of the Art Deco movement. This week’s featured plate is titled “Symphony in Black,” and features a stylized drawing of a fashionable woman and her (fashionable) dog, done in the clean, sharp, lines and bold colors that came to characterize the Art Deco movement. Erte was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on November 23, 1892. At the age of 22, Erte was offered a job creating cover art for Harper’s Bazaar; he went on to illustrate 250 covers for the magazine over the course of the next 40 years. His illustrations also appeared in such publications as Cosmopolitan, Ladies' Home Journal, and Vogue. In addition to his illustrations, Erte designed costumes for both movie and theater productions in Hollywood and on Broadway, and produced art in various other mediums. The Erte’ Plates series is a wonderful homage to Erte’s artistry, and beautifully represents the craftsmanship and production excellence associated with Mikasa.

Remembrance-Ebony is splendid crystal made by one of the best-known manufacturers in the world, Noritake. This all-black, blown glass pattern features a concave bowl that flares at the top, a smooth stem, a round foot, and dazzling gold trim. This was a prolific crystal design for Noritake – Replacements, Ltd. carries 7 different colors and 1 clear variation of the pattern! Noritake produces many crystal patterns designed to complement its dinnerware. The company’s crystal and glassware collection includes handmade, mouth-blown, and machine-made stems. Noritake’s manufacturing supplies were cut off during World War II, but the company’s products again became available in 1948. Many of these post-war wares were created specifically with the American consumer in mind. For Noritake collectors, there are many historical ambiguities surrounding the company; destruction of company records during the war years means that some questions will never be answered.

The Tucano (Stainless, Black Handle) pattern Sasaki Flatware showcases a provocative, eye-catching design featuring a ribbed black handle, gold accents, and a glossy finish. This pattern is sure to add a touch of excitement to any table! Sasaki was established in Tokyo in 1902, and has long been recognized for its design artistry and the high quality of its tableware. Sasaki’s Double Helix flatware, designed by famous American interior designer Ward Bennet, is on permanent exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. According to Sasaki company literature, “Sasaki remains firmly rooted in Japanese sensibility, taking its inspiration from nature. This inspiration results in natural, organic shapes and clean lines evident in all of the company's dinnerware collections.” Sasaki’s designs come from a large pool of creative talent, including furniture, jewelry, and textile designers, architects, interior decorators, and sculptors.

To browse and order in a great selection of china, crystal, and stainless pieces, start at these links!