Reader, sometimes you have to do as I say and not as I do. In the past, I've entreated you to follow your gut, buy what you find and take what the universe offers you. I did not do that. I was presented with a treasure and walked away because my inner voice said, "you have too many dishes" and "you don't need another set of dishes." But, you and I both know that isn't true. It couldn't be true. That the truth is actually you can never have enough dishes and there is always room for one more set. Especially if that set is vintage Rosenthal designed by Raymond Loewy. That's right, you read correctly. My inner demon won that battle and talked me out of buying those dishes. I jut walked away...
But this time, I was lucky: I went back three days later, the find and dishes still tugging at my mind, and they were still there. Still there. I felt like it was meant to be, like we were meant to be together.
Although I love Rosenthal (say it with me in a snooty, accent: Rose-in-tall), I only have one or two errant pieces, including a bizarre creamer with wings on the lid from their studio line. The company, established in the late 19th century, was initially know for producing fine porcelain with Baroque designs and flourishes. This set exemplifies their mid-20th century style which grew out of the many partnerships they established with an international group of designers. Raymond Loewy, who you could say practically designed the twentieth century, was one of those designers and this china shape was produced in the plain white I found, a matte charcoal as well as a variety of patterns both traditional and modern. Loewy designed everything from cigarette packages to cars, refrigerators to the interior of the Skylab space station. Everything. Check it out.
Regardless of who designed it or the producer, it's a beautiful set and with my variety of white serving pieces, will make a wonderful addition to the arsenal. Come for a visit, I would love to serve you a delicious continental breakfast on this set...