Antique Lenox Custom Asian Themed Dinner Plates Set of 10
Product Description And Additional Pictures
We are offering an extremely rare and lovely set of 10 dinner plates that were produced by Lenox in 1917, probably as a custom order. These plates feature a very broad band of blue - which Lenox described as 'turquoise grey' - that extends from the outer rim past the verge of the plate. A band of gilding can be found on the outer rim of the plate and on the interior edge of the turquoise grey rim. The center of the plate showcases a serene Asian-themed floral still life with flowering branches, urn and teapot. Touches of enamel are used in this still life to create a charming multi-dimensional effect.
This set is exceptionally lovely and is in exceptionally good shape! As you can see from our photographs, the gilding on the exterior rims of the plates is fully intact, as is the gilding around the inner verges. The floral arrangement painted on each plate is in excellent shape, with no knife marks or scratches marring the paint, and no losses to the enamel. There are a few small, minor marks on the turquoise grey bands typical for the age of these plates that are not immediately apparent upon viewing the plates.
Our research indicates that these plates were produced in 1917, making them over 100 years old. Each plate bears the green Lenox backstamp, which is consistent with the 1917 production date. It does not appear that these plates were produced by Lenox before or after 1917, and there is only a hand-written number code on the backs of the plates, with nothing to indicate that this particular pattern had a name. These are all strong indicators that these plates were probably a custom order for a client of exclusive retailer Tice & Gates, in Rochester, New York. Experienced Lenox collectors know that the firm, in its early years, was known to produce one-of-a-kind items and sets as custom orders, without keeping a clear record or even giving the item a name.
While these plates would look lovely on a dinner table, we would urge you NOT to serve food on them. After surviving in near pristine shape for over 100 years, it would be a shame to cause damage to these magnificent plates with a fork and knife! Please also handwash these plates! Your dishwasher will cause permanent damage to your irreplaceable treasures!