Vintage 1950s Universal Ballerina Hazelnut Dinner Plates - Set of Two

Hazelnut combines the mellow warmth of varicolored leaves for dinnerware drama unsurpassed! (from a 1950 advertisement for Universal Ballerina Hazelnut dishware available at Pettee's Hardware Store, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

{HISTORY}

Debuting in 1950, Universal Potteries Hazelnut pattern swirled into midcentury kitchens like a dancing autumn leaf on a blustery fall day. Dramatic, fanciful, and dynamic in color palette, Hazelnut featured earthy tones, variegated leaves, and an energetic, full-plate arrangement.  

Part of Universal's Ballerina series, a mix-and-match set of complementary dinnerware in both solid and floral patterns, the beauty of all the Ballerinas was their ability to elegantly coordinate with one another for endless creative tablescapes. A chartreuse creamer paired with a dove grey cup and saucer, paired with a Hazelnut plate and a forest green soup bowl was not only eye-catching and stylish but also creative and unique to the hostess who displayed such a grouping. 

Hard to-find-pieces in a hard-to-find pattern, this pair of dinner plates features shades of spring green, mustard, nutmeg, forest green, and cinnamon against a pale cream background. It's just the sort of color combination that not only looks great with other Ballerina pieces (see the accompanying green Ballerina creamer in the photographs for an example) but also looks great with natural accents like evergreen boughs, fall foliage, pine cones, pumpkins, and candlelight. 

Perfect for outdoor autumn picnic adventures, grillside gatherings, and cozy fireside dinners for two, these plates add a festive note to all your fall fun. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of two 
• Stamped on back with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, these plates contain no chips or cracks.  One plate contains a few light utensil marks in the leaves, but due to the overall composition of this pattern, they are not very noticeable. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 10" inches in length and weighs 1.3 lbs