The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-05-20
PLATES TO INSPIRE talk.
One Of the Missions Of Highly Decorated
Chinaware. 90 "a
From What TO Eat.

From What TO Eat.
Artistically decorated conversation plates
are now-found In the homes OF many OF New
York's most exclusive sets. Some OF the
finest specimens l have seen OF late cost an
much as 1000 a dozen, but they may be
bought as low as $500. The custom originated
in the passing OF an exquisitely decorated
plate for the admiration and approval OF
dinner guests, and from that developed into
an established custom OF having a choice
china plate at each guests place when the
guests take their seats. The merits Of the
plates then form a subject OF conversation
before the dinner is served. Artists OF great
skill perform the work OF decorating the
china. Each of the myriad colors requires
q separate firing to assure the original tint
of it's durability.
Although these plates show the same color
scheme in sets, each plate has its own pict-
ure. probably the miniature production OF
some famous painting. Or, among tho
newest Of these beautiful plates. curious and
wonderful effects are produced on rims and
centres In the popular highly glazed porcelain.
of which turquoise blue is the color in highest
favor. accompanied always by fligrees or
organisations Of gold. Gold is a never fail
ing factor in the decoration OF all CONVERSE
ton plates, and as the only beautifier OF COM
plete china table services it Is decidedly In
vogue.
- NClS tAptilNiNp 70 VI photVo -
centre OF undulating turquoise blue porce-
lain, with white china rims partly covered
by wing designs done in fine gold and met
at each quarter of the circumference by a
tiny cameo head Of one OF the ancient gods
or Roddesses against a blue porcelain back.
ground. Another set Of plates has rims OF
turquoise blue porcelain surrounding scenes
Of Venice, with their wonderful blue skies or
crimson sunsets, ..
The monogram plates showing the family
crest or initials raised in gold on the centre
Of the plate, enoiroled by a rim done in dolphin
design in turquoise porcelain. are designed
for heirlooms. Another set Of monogram
plates has rims OF deep blue, each showing a
miniature painting Of one of the English
Duchesses or ladies' famed for their beauty.
One wealthy New York woman, whose talent
for china painting has been developed in
Dresden. Ger many, displayed recently at
one OF her large dinners a set OF plates Of her
own decoration. The centres were painted
In shades Of brown, exquisitely blending from
palest mauve to suede tobacco brown. with
sylvan scenes showing dainty shepherds and
shepherdesses. The plates were rather smaller
than the regulation conversation plates.
and had slightly rolling rims splashed with
darker tints of brown, intercepted by fine gold
lines in scroll.
More beautiful still is a set of plates owned
by a connoisseur in china ware. The rims
show a fine lace design in gold, while the
centre of each plate is a work of rare art.
Graceful nymphs in, floating draperies drink
at q well or catch butterflies. or indulge In
sports. and all are painted In the most mar
velous flesh tints, In these same soft color
ings serve as a decoration for the centres Of
q set OF plates that are less costly. ..s