Vintage 1940s Rosalie Berry Bowls by Viktor Schreckengost for American Limoges - Set of Three

 It's function. That's what I was always attracted to... Viktor

, 2006

{HISTORY}

Meet Rosalie. She was just one of many pretty dish patterns designed by 20th-century industrial artist, Viktor Schreckengost (1906-2008) for American Limoges.  Made in Sebring, Ohio in the 1940s, the Rosalie pattern contains gold filigree, a tightly ribbed rim, and a big, billowy floral bouquet at the center. Designed in the Triumph shape, which Victor debuted in 1937, Rosalie is full of personality and vintage charm from dainty details to bright color and all that shiny, shimmer that a filigree edge reflects.

Viktor began designing dinnerware for American Limoges in the 1930s. His style combined traditional themes with artistic shapes, textures, and modern designs. Visually dynamic accessories in interesting shapes accompanied traditional dishware including a round, dome-shaped sugar bowl with a chunky pedestal base and a chimney-style knob handle on the lid.  Viktor's dinnerware designs were just one example of the unique way he looked at the world, which in turn influenced other artists across many other fields including toys, transportation, kitchenware and fine art. So influential was Viktor in the design world, that he was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2006.

As for American Limoges, it was inspired by the delicate porcelain of Limoges, France.  Based in the U.S., American Limoges was founded in 1900 in Sebring, Ohio, and was originally known as the Limoges China Company.  They specialized in thin-walled china for the American market with a belief that American porcelain-style dishware could be just as attractive as the French equivalent. 

But when a fire broke out and destroyed everything the pottery had built, including formulas and designs, they changed gears and started making more durable earthenware dishes with similar delicate designs often found in porcelain patterns. Determined to prove that American earthenware was just as superior as esteemed English earthenware, the pottery successfully created beautiful and durable dishware equal to that of British design. 

Bustling by the 1930s. American Limoges created not only artistic designs full of elegant patterns and beautiful color palettes, they were also at the forefront of innovation when it came to manufacturing processes within the pottery plant.  

After the French Limoges pottery in France caught wind of the great success, the designs, and the similar name, The Limoges China Company (of America) had to change names in order to avoid a lawsuit. Again, just like after the fire, the company pivoted with a name change and became the American Limoges Company, which was a change sufficient to calm everyone down in the industry on both sides of the ocean. By the 1950s, unfortunately, this evolution was not as successful as the last. The American Limoges Company went bankrupt and closed its doors. 

In the decade before the company folded, these berry bowls were made. Available in large sets for service up to 12 with all sorts of matching companion pieces, the Rosalie pattern was offered piece by piece, so that shoppers could amass a collection to fit their needs and their dreams. Find more pieces in the Rosalie pattern here.

Photos of Viktor and his work courtesy of the Archives of American Art.

 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of three berry bowls
• Rosalie pattern, Triumph shape
• Colors include gold, pink, amethyst, plum, yellow mustard, evergreen, pale blue, raspberry, and sage
• Unmarked on back with the exception of the number 45 on one bowl

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. These bowls contain no cracks, chips, or staining. The floral and filigree designs are crisp and clear. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Each bowl measures 5.5" inches in diameter and weighs 1.3 lbs and weighs 5 oz.

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Find more American Limoges pieces in the Rosalie pattern here.