Pretty Violettas

February’s birth flower is the violet and the birthstone is amethyst. As a February baby, I’ve grown up loving these dainty little purple flowers…. and collecting them in a variety of items including dishes. Next to roses, violets might be the most popular design on vintage dishes, so let’s take a peek at some of these pretty patterns.

Just about any teacup collection will include at least one violet-strewn cup and saucer. And that’s where my personal collection began, courtesy of an older relative who gave me a small starter collection of tea cups that included a cherished violet tea cup … and a lavender-hued cow sugar/creamer set.

After spending many years collecting and admiring flora dishes, I’ve concluded that most china with floral patterns (roses and violets are popular) are mainly found as tea sets and snack/tidbit trays, rather than full dinnerware sets. Probably because the patterns are undeniably feminine (and yes, fussy). One way to reduce the fussy factor is to mix-n-match patterns to create a lovely tablescape bedecked with the same tones. It’s a fresh way to use formal china patterns; when it’s done right, it’s sophisticated and relaxed at the same time.

Most of these dishes are bone china, a type of porcelain made from finely ground cow bones, along with kaolin, feldspar, ball clay and quartz. Bone china is often harder and smoother than porcelain or fine china.

How many violet patterns are there? Well over 100, it would seem. My favorite American manufacturer, Homer Laughlin China Co. made several violet decals, and there are also dozens from England, Japan, Poland, and more. The vast majority of these patterns were manufactured in the first half of the 20th century. By the 1950s, most of them fell out of favor, (no doubt correlating to the dwindling number of housewives serving hot tea each afternoon.)

Some patterns are hand-painted, while others were decals added during the manufacturing process. Either way, hand washing is best for these vintage dishes. Go easy on scrubbing them – if they have stuck-on food, let them soak so you don’t risk scratching the design.

Where to find them? Like most vintage items, they are found “in the wild” – at estate sales, online auctions, even thrift stores. But the best part of mix-n-match is you don’t have to try to buy them by the box; collect slowly, and pick only what you like that is in good, usable condition.

How much can you expect to pay to amass a collection? The good news is, not much. The most expensive teapots are around $200, but many can be had for a fraction of that. Teacups and saucers often go for $10-$20, with some going as high as $50 per set. Snack sets can go for $15-$25 each.

And how to use/display them? I personally prefer to display my dishes instead of keeping them stowed away. If you’re a natural-born romantic, you may also find spots to display a teacup and saucer filled with small items and layered with a lacy doily or pair of vintage gloves for a sweet touch.

Do you have a few cups and saucers that aren’t in perfect condition? Don’t throw them out – repurpose them as centerpieces, planters, candles, or bird feeders. No matter how you feel about fussy dishes, we can all count on violets and pansies ushering in spring in the next few weeks, can’t we?

All photos are courtesy of Pinterest and my own collection.