We are savoring every page of Victoria’s “Historic Settings” article featuring luscious table settings showcasing Mottahedeh chinaIt is always exciting to see our patterns creatively styled especially with an eye that honors the heritage of the pieces. Victoria gives them a fresh perspective, as the designs can take many directions depending on the color palette selected and the combinations.
“Chinoise Blue” has a lyrical leaf and ribbon border, “Golden Butterfly’s” border depicts tiny soaring birds in a light-filled sky and a butterfly, actually a moth with outstretched wings on a blue starry field. Both designs are derived from 18th century Chinese export porcelains. “Golden Butterfly” was the dinner service of President Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan.
“Tobacco Leaf” is a garden extravaganza, its design originally made in China, most likely for export to the Portuguese and Brazilian markets. Of all 18th century patterns, this was the most highly prized. 27 colors and 22-karat gold make up the pattern that is based on an original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Did you spot the small phoenix bird perched on the flowering Nicotiana leaf? Victoria’s settings are perfect for summer highlighting pinks, blues and greens, leaves, vines and flowers. Birds and butterflies enhance the “plein air” spirit.
Victoria paired a charming creamware Pot de Creme with a dessert plate in the “Sylvanae” pattern. Sylvanae is the Latin word for Goddess of the Forest. What a perfect name for this swirling motif composed of exotic birds and colorful foliage. The pattern dates from the late 1800s and was adapted from a design created by the Zsolnay Manufacturary in Hungary. “Lace” by Mottahedeh comes in a beautiful range of colors and complements many of Mottahedeh’s dinnerware designs. It is shown here in pink and blue.
What would a summer scheme be without a touch of crisp white linen? George Washington’s circa 1765, “Prosperity,” a salt glazed stoneware pattern created in collaboration with Mt. Vernon, serves almost like a palate cleanser, resting underneath the “Sylvanae” setting. This beautifully detailed historic design is also quite modern and practical - it is guaranteed stain proof, microwave and dishwasher safe.