Coloradolady hosts Vintage Thingie Thursday which is a lot of fun and causes, or may cause, severe envy, depending upon what thingie your heart loves that is vintage. I adore old stuff which used to be called antique but is now called vintage. Most of the farmhouse at Thistle Cove Farm is full of old stuff. We’ve stuff from Dave’s family, my family, Dave’s previous homes, my previous homes, thrift stores and consignment shops and stuff picked up alongside the road put out for trash pick-up. One man’s trash is another woman’s treasure, eh? -smile-
The beautiful bowl, above, is a Kitchen Kraft, proudly made in the USA by the Homer Laughlin Company in West Virginia. The HLChina Company has been in business since 1873 and has produced quantities of lovely, functional china. Depending upon what, and where, you read, Kitchen Kraft was introduced in 1937 or 1939 but was discontinued by 1945. I have never seen this pattern; it looks to be Japanese in flavor with a pagoda and geisha women standing on a bridge, waiting for a ship or boat to sail into harbor. This fascinates me as I’ve always associated both Kitchen Kraft and Homer Laughlin with more traditional patterns such as gold filigree, nautilus, roses or other florals, solids, equestrian and many more designs.
In earlier years, the HLChina Company was known for a variety of china, now they are known, primarily, for Fiesta Ware. Perhaps it’s just me but I find the Fiesta Ware of earlier years to be preferable to the Fiesta Ware being produced now. The colors of yesteryear are muted, softer and more pleasing to my eye while the colors today are…in a word, garish.
Sorry. It’s true though, the colors today are a bit harsh, loud, crass and in your face. They tend to make the supper table scream, “have a good meal!” while yesteryear’s colors murmur, “so pleased you’re here, enjoy our hospitality.”
The most interesting thing, to me, about the Homer Laughlin China Company is their Food Service Division‘s ability to do custom designs for restaurants, hotels or anyone else who wants china with their own logo. I can just imagine a set of dishes with a thistle, the logo for Thistle Cove Farm!
I did a web search but couldn’t find anything about my particular bowl. It’s about a three quart mixing bowl and has two, quite small, chips that in no way effect the usability of the bowl and will, probably, be put on the shelf and simply enjoyed visually. Oh, the best thing about my Kitchen Kraft bowl? I found it at a thrift store for less than two dollars! Someone else’s trash is my new treasure -smile-.
Blessings ~ little things that bring such joy and pleasure into my life ~ Kitchen Kraft bowls ~ thrift stores ~ thistle ~ Homer Laughlin China Company ~
Soli Deo Gloria,
Sandra
sweet european dreams says
super sweet bowl! I'm a big HL fan, but this pattern is new to me. The colors are fabulous! If you ever get bored with it, just let me know… Have a great weekend! -diane
Sally Annie Magundy says
Great find, such a fun bowl! Enjoy!
Happy VTT,
Sally
Tonya says
This is so pretty. I like things that are different. I have found so many beautiful items, and like you my saying is the same someone elses trash turns out to be my treasure. Blessings.
Karen says
Ask me how much I love searching through thrift stores and antigue shops (not the expensive kind)for treasures like this bowl.
Kathy says
My, how I love a pretty willow tree design! Thanks for sharing this sweet and unusual bowl.
from my front porch... says
I love Fiesta Ware! I collect old pieces-in yellow, turquoise,red, pink.
And I agree! The *new* Fiesta is awful 🙁
I collect Hull and Red Wing, too. All in pink!
Thanks for a lovely post, Sandra!
Sending good thoughts your way. And you are both covered in prayer.
xo, misha
GLENDA CHILDERS says
This is a really fun bowl.
Fondly,
Glenda
Postcardy says
That is a cute bowl and a great price.
Lora says
so pretty!!
Deborah says
That was a great find! I haven't seen that pattern before either. I love the old stuff, too, and have found some pretty amazing things on the side of the road. Thoughts and prayer are with you both.
Colleen says
My most treasured objects are vintage, including my spouse (smile!). I grew up going to antique stores on vacation with my parents. That was when prices in antique stores were reasonable. Will check out Vintage Thingie Thursday.
Blessings to you and Dave. Thoughts and prayers are always with you. Hope your expereince with the hospital continues to improve.
Colleen
Anonymous says
I love your bowl! I could spend hours at thrift stores browsing through old china, pottery, etc. I've never seen a pattern even similar to yours. Getting a new, colorful piece for a bargain is great fun! Enjoy and keep us posted if you learn more about it.