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Tableware For Sale
George V Sterling Silver Three-Tier Cake Stand, George Wish, 1923
George V Sterling Silver Three-Tier Cake Stand, George Wish, 1923

George V Sterling Silver Three-Tier Cake Stand, George Wish, 1923

By George Wish

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1923 by George Wish, this stylish George V sterling silver three-tier cake stand is elevated on four scroll feet. The frame holds three removable plates, e...

Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug
Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug

Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug

By Gucci, Richard Ginori

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gucci Richard Ginori fuchsia porcelain coffee mug featuring the words "Urtica Ferox" - a reference to the invitation to the Cruise 2018 fashion sh...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles
Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles

Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a highly decorative vintage dessert flatware set. Made in Italy—confirmed by the Italian engraving "inossidabile," meaning stainless steel—this set ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Handcrafted Sicilian Ceramic Bowl centerpice
Handcrafted Sicilian Ceramic Bowl centerpice

Handcrafted Sicilian Ceramic Bowl centerpice

Located in Palermo, PA

Handcrafted Sicilian Ceramic Bowl in yellow. This exquisite handmade Sicilian ceramic bowl is a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and Mediterranean heritage. Crafted by s...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Georgian Pewter Measure from the Hope Inn, by Edward J Wilderness Row
Georgian Pewter Measure from the Hope Inn, by Edward J Wilderness Row

Georgian Pewter Measure from the Hope Inn, by Edward J Wilderness Row

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Georgian pewter measure from the Hope Inn, by Edward J Wilderness Row Hope Tavern, 179 Stanhope Street, Euston Road Hallmarked Edward J London of Wi...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Silver shaker with revealed floral motifs and beading on the lid
Silver shaker with revealed floral motifs and beading on the lid

Silver shaker with revealed floral motifs and beading on the lid

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver shaker with revealed floral motifs and crimped lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: standing eagle. Weight: 503.01 grams. Dimensions: 9.5cm x 22.5cm. Con...

Category

20th Century European Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique Meissen Blue Onion Sauce Bowl in Hand-Painted Porcelain, Late 19th C
Antique Meissen Blue Onion Sauce Bowl in Hand-Painted Porcelain, Late 19th C

Antique Meissen Blue Onion Sauce Bowl in Hand-Painted Porcelain, Late 19th C

Located in København, Copenhagen

Antique Meissen blue onion sauce bowl in hand-painted porcelain. Late 19th century. Measures: 22 x 14 x 8.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 3rd factory quality.

Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa
Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa

Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa

Located in Queens, NY

2 Middle Eastern Moorish-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on copper ewers (pitcher) with etched design (PRICED EACH)

Category

19th Century African Moorish Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

8 pcs. of 1950's Piero Fornasetti Gilt "Grande Antico" Crescent Plates
8 pcs. of 1950's Piero Fornasetti Gilt "Grande Antico" Crescent Plates

8 pcs. of 1950's Piero Fornasetti Gilt "Grande Antico" Crescent Plates

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a 33 piece set of Piero Fornasetti Gilt dinner ware. The set is made of porcelain and was made in the 1950's. This ad is for the 8 salad anders. The set includes: 5 Dinner ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Dinnerware set of 12 Dinner Deep Desert Plates Decor Blue Delft by Gien. France
Dinnerware set of 12 Dinner Deep Desert Plates Decor Blue Delft by Gien. France

Dinnerware set of 12 Dinner Deep Desert Plates Decor Blue Delft by Gien. France

By Gien

Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR

Vintage Dinnerware dinner service, tableware, serveware set of 12 plates, dinner, deep and desert in earthenware enameled of Gien France model Blue Delft. Service for 4 people 4 din...

Category

Late 20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Earthenware

Rozu Sculptural Tray in Portoro Marble with Brass Accents
Rozu Sculptural Tray in Portoro Marble with Brass Accents

Rozu Sculptural Tray in Portoro Marble with Brass Accents

Located in Porto, PT

The Rozu Tray is a sculptural expression of nature’s quiet elegance, where the handle gracefully echoes the arc of a carob pod, reimagining organic beauty through a lens of refined d...

Category

2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble, Brass

32 Piece Dessert Set Spode England, Circa 1920. 12 plates 10 Demi Cups & Saucers
32 Piece Dessert Set Spode England, Circa 1920. 12 plates 10 Demi Cups & Saucers

32 Piece Dessert Set Spode England, Circa 1920. 12 plates 10 Demi Cups & Saucers

By Spode

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

From one of our favorite English firms, Copeland Spode, is this striking set. The rich almost cobalt blue background is textured and inset with vibrant florals. Each one is different...

Category

1920s British Vintage Tableware

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Marbre Large Bowl in Brown, Marbled Pattern, Ceramics
Marbre Large Bowl in Brown, Marbled Pattern, Ceramics

Marbre Large Bowl in Brown, Marbled Pattern, Ceramics

By Louise Roe

Located in London, GB

Handcrafted in Bulgaria, our Marbre collection brings a rustic elegance to any table setting, with its dreamy marbled pattern. Available in blue, green and brown, the Marbre collecti...

Category

2010s Bulgarian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Cohr 'Denmark' Silver Teaspoon, 1920 / 30s, 19 Teaspoons Aavailable
Cohr 'Denmark' Silver Teaspoon, 1920 / 30s, 19 Teaspoons Aavailable

Cohr 'Denmark' Silver Teaspoon, 1920 / 30s, 19 Teaspoons Aavailable

Located in København, Copenhagen

Cohr (Denmark) teaspoon, double rifle cutlery of three-tower silver. 1920 / 30s. 19 teaspoons are available. Measures: 12 cm. Stamped: CMC (Carl M. Cohr). In very good condition.

Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Colfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 130 pcs S Mono
Colfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 130 pcs S Mono

Colfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 130 pcs S Mono

By Durgin-Gorham 1

Located in Big Bend, WI

The Colfax sterling silver flatware pattern that showcases the artistry and skill of Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware originally issued in 1922. With its fine pearl and bead border an...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Culver Ltd. "Owl and Pussycat" Rocks Glasses, 8
Culver Ltd. "Owl and Pussycat" Rocks Glasses, 8

Culver Ltd. "Owl and Pussycat" Rocks Glasses, 8

By Culver Ltd.

Located in Astoria, NY

Set of Eight Culver Ltd. "Owl and Pussycat" Rocks Glasses. 3.5" H x 3.25" Diameter. Provenance: From a Connecticut Estate.

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Dalia Spain "Picasso" Flatware Set, 82 Pieces
Mid Century Dalia Spain "Picasso" Flatware Set, 82 Pieces

Mid Century Dalia Spain "Picasso" Flatware Set, 82 Pieces

Located in Brooklyn, NY

82 piece set of mid-century flatware from the "Picasso" collection by Dalia Spain. Set includes: - 13 Dinner Forks - 11 Salad Forks - 12 Dinner Spoons - 25 Dessert Spoons - 11 Lunch...

Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ars Ceramic Cake Stand - Watermelon
Ars Ceramic Cake Stand - Watermelon

Ars Ceramic Cake Stand - Watermelon

By Italica Ars

Located in Lugo, IT

Ceramic Ars cake stand, One defect Good condition. Thank you

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

19th  Century Copper Pot
19th  Century Copper Pot

19th Century Copper Pot

Located in New York, NY

Hand-picked by buyers at Ann Morris Inc.

Category

1870s English Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 24 Service 98 Pieces
Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 24 Service 98 Pieces

Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 24 Service 98 Pieces

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

The Mid-century Modern pattern "Diamond" was created by Internationally renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and introduced by Reed & Barton in the year 1958. This is our #1 best selling Mid-century Modern sterling flatware pattern...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

1930s American Depression Glass Bowl, Yellow Starburst, Three Feet
1930s American Depression Glass Bowl, Yellow Starburst, Three Feet

1930s American Depression Glass Bowl, Yellow Starburst, Three Feet

Located in Coral Gables, FL

A charming American Depression Glass bowl in a soft yellow hue, featuring a delicate starburst pattern molded throughout the body and raised on three applied ball feet. Produced duri...

Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Bamboo Napkin Holder, circa 1950s
Bamboo Napkin Holder, circa 1950s

Bamboo Napkin Holder, circa 1950s

$174Sale Price|31% Off

Bamboo Napkin Holder, circa 1950s

Located in Wien, Au

Bamboo napkin holder, circa 1950s Original condition.

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Bamboo

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dinner Plate - Yellow
Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dinner Plate - Yellow

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dinner Plate - Yellow

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Elegant and timeless, this hand-painted ceramic plate with a lace-effect border brings a refined decorative touch to the table. Inspired by traditional lace motifs, the delicate bord...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dessert Plate - Yellow
Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dessert Plate - Yellow

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dessert Plate - Yellow

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Elegant and timeless, this hand-painted ceramic plate with a lace-effect border brings a refined decorative touch to the table. Inspired by traditional lace motifs, the delicate bord...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Arabesque Steel Plate with Gold and Silver Inlay
Antique Arabesque Steel Plate with Gold and Silver Inlay

Antique Arabesque Steel Plate with Gold and Silver Inlay

Located in London, GB

Antique Arabesque steel plate with gold and silver inlay. Continental, 19th century Dimensions: Height 2cm, diameter 32.5cm Beautifully crafted from steel with gold and silver damascening, this fine 19th century plate is profusely decorated with scrolling arabesque detailing. Around the rim of the plate, scrolling foliate vines and flowers are interspersed with four grotesque masks. The centre is similarly decorated, with intertwining scrolls, acanthus leaves, dolphin heads, and swans. There are also two coats of arms to the centre, which feature crowns and gold bows above. On one of the shields, the top half features a bird with its wings spread wide, with a church building to the bottom half. The other has an angel figure to the left and a double headed eagle to the right. The joining of two coats of arms in this manner often symbolizes the joining of two noble families in marriage, so the present plate could have been produced in celebration of a noble wedding. This manner of decoration is similar to that of Spanish metalworker Plácido Zuloaga...

Category

19th Century European Antique Tableware

Materials

Gold, Silver, Steel

Breakfast Set for Butter by Argentor
Breakfast Set for Butter by Argentor

Breakfast Set for Butter by Argentor

By Argentor of Vienna

Located in Wien, Au

Breakfast for Butter by Argentor Polished and stove enameled.

Category

1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass

Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Pot Hallmarked in 1976 by J. J. Roberts
Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Pot Hallmarked in 1976 by J. J. Roberts

Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Pot Hallmarked in 1976 by J. J. Roberts

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1976 by Jeremy John Roberts, this very handsome, Sterling Silver Coffee Pot or Water Jug, is plain in style, and features a wooden handle and thumbpiece. The ...

Category

1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Les Six Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner 63 pcs
Les Six Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner 63 pcs

Les Six Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner 63 pcs

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Exquisite rare Dinner Size Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton sterling silver Flatware set, 63 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives with blunt plated blades, 10 1/4" 12 ...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Delicacy by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 48 Pieces
Delicacy by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 48 Pieces

Delicacy by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 48 Pieces

By Lunt Silver

Located in Big Bend, WI

Delicacy by Lunt sterling silver flatware set of 48 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9", 12 forks, 7 1/2", 12 salad forks, 6 1/2", 12 teaspoons, 6", Includes bonus brand ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dessert Plate - Pink

Hand-Painted Lace Ceramic Dessert Plate - Pink

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Elegant and timeless, this hand-painted ceramic plate with a lace-effect border brings a refined decorative touch to the table. Inspired by traditional lace motifs, the delicate bord...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Arabia Unika. Round plate with blue floral decoration. Ca. 1950s/60s
Arabia Unika. Round plate with blue floral decoration. Ca. 1950s/60s

Arabia Unika. Round plate with blue floral decoration. Ca. 1950s/60s

Located in København, Copenhagen

Arabia Unika Decorative plate, ca. 1950/60s. Round plate in porcelain/faience with hand-painted blue decoration in organic floral and leaf motifs. Underglaze with pronounced crackle....

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Ornate George IV period sterling silver egg cruet hallmarked in Edinburgh 1824
Ornate George IV period sterling silver egg cruet hallmarked in Edinburgh 1824

Ornate George IV period sterling silver egg cruet hallmarked in Edinburgh 1824

By James McKay

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1824 by James Mckay, this wonderful, George IV period, Antique Sterling Silver Egg Cruet, is ornate in design, with 6 egg cups and spoons all with gilt int...

Category

1820s Scottish George IV Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Collection of French Gilt Enameled Crystal Table Articles, Style of Baccarat
Collection of French Gilt Enameled Crystal Table Articles, Style of Baccarat

Collection of French Gilt Enameled Crystal Table Articles, Style of Baccarat

By Baccarat

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Collection of French Gilt Enameled Crystal Table Articles, Style of Baccarat France, Circa Early 20th Century A beautiful instant collection of French gilt enameled crystal tab...

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Tableware

Materials

Crystal

22 Antique 19th C Chinese Export Canton Blue White Porcelain Dinner Salad Plates
22 Antique 19th C Chinese Export Canton Blue White Porcelain Dinner Salad Plates

22 Antique 19th C Chinese Export Canton Blue White Porcelain Dinner Salad Plates

Located in Dayton, OH

Lot of 22 antique 19th Century Chinese export Canton dinnerware.. Made from porcelain with traditional blue and white pagoda landscape design. Includes several dinner and salad pla...

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff

Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7.5 x D 10 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...

Category

2010s Hungarian Post-Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Lady Washington by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 109 Pcs Dinner
Lady Washington by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 109 Pcs Dinner

Lady Washington by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 109 Pcs Dinner

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in Big Bend, WI

This exceedingly rare figural pattern was patented by Gorham in the year 1876, the Centennial of the US Declaration of Independence, named in honor of America's first 1st Lady, Martha Washington. Rare Martha Washington by Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 109 pieces. This service includes: 12 dinner forks, 7 1/4" 12 knives, mother of pearl handles, 9 1/4" 12 luncheon/dessert forks, 6 3/4" 12 teaspoons, 5 5/8" 12 place soup spoons, 6 7/8" 12 demitasse spoons, 4 1/4" (1 is similar - egg spoon 4 3/4") 12 ice cream spoons, 5 5/8" 6 sorbet spoons, fluted, gold-washed, 5 1/8" 2 nut picks, 4 3/4" 1 gravy ladle, shell bowl, 6 7/8" 8 serving spoons, 8 1/4" 1 serving / toast fork, 8 1/2" 1 master butter knife, 7 3/4" 1 pickle / fruit fork, 2-tine, 5 7/8" 1 soup ladle, 12 1/2" 1 berry spoon, fluted, 8 3/4" 1 stuffing spoon, 12 1/4" 1 berry spoon, shell, gold-washed, 8 3/8" 1 mustard ladle, 5 3/8" Includes beautiful large vintage storage chest...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Baccarat Bicolor Opaline Glass Covered Sugar Bowl with Underplate
French Baccarat Bicolor Opaline Glass Covered Sugar Bowl with Underplate

French Baccarat Bicolor Opaline Glass Covered Sugar Bowl with Underplate

Located in London, GB

A charming and highly collectible mid-19th century French opaline glass covered sugar bowl with its matching presentation underplate, traditionally attributed to the revered crystal ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Tableware

Materials

Opaline Glass

Pair of Federal Madrid Yellow Depression Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers
Pair of Federal Madrid Yellow Depression Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers

Pair of Federal Madrid Yellow Depression Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers

Located in Coral Gables, FL

A charming pair of salt and pepper shakers produced by Federal Glass Company in its iconic Madrid pattern. Crafted in luminous yellow Depression Glass, these pieces showcase the eleg...

Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Berry Bowls, Set of Four, 1940s
Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Berry Bowls, Set of Four, 1940s

Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Berry Bowls, Set of Four, 1940s

Located in Coral Gables, FL

A charming set of four Mason’s red transferware berry bowls in the classic Vista pattern, made in England and decorated over a warm cream ironstone ground. Each small bowl features t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Superb Norway SterlingSilver 925 gilt dragon enamel viking boat salt cellar Aase
Superb Norway SterlingSilver 925 gilt dragon enamel viking boat salt cellar Aase

Superb Norway SterlingSilver 925 gilt dragon enamel viking boat salt cellar Aase

By Magnus Aase

Located in Wien, AT

A stunning salt cellar, made by famous Norwegian artist Magnus Aase in 925 Sterling silver (hallmarked). The makers mark being Magnus Aase, Norway, from the 1940s. The salt cellar ...

Category

1940s Norwegian Gothic Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

19th Century Napoleon III Cave / Liqueur
19th Century Napoleon III Cave / Liqueur

19th Century Napoleon III Cave / Liqueur

Located in Tarry Town, NY

19th Century Napoleon III engraved glass and gilt bronze metal cave a liqueur. The cave feature an hinged lobed lid opening to hinged front panels and a removable stand centered by f...

Category

1820s French Antique Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Saucers, Set of Six, England, 1950
Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Saucers, Set of Six, England, 1950

Mason’s Vista Red Transferware Saucers, Set of Six, England, 1950

Located in Coral Gables, FL

A charming set of six Mason’s ironstone saucers in the classic Vista pattern, made in England and decorated in rich red transferware over a warm cream ground. Each saucer features th...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Vintage Mercury Glass Flutes or Champagne Glasses
Pair of Vintage Mercury Glass Flutes or Champagne Glasses

Pair of Vintage Mercury Glass Flutes or Champagne Glasses

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Mid Century pair of hand blown mercury glass flutes crafted in classic champagne glass form, decorated with acid etched flowers and ferns on the outsides with gold tone insides and s...

Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Victorian Tableware

Materials

Mercury Glass

English Antique Hammered R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 171 Pcs Dinner
English Antique Hammered R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 171 Pcs Dinner

English Antique Hammered R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 171 Pcs Dinner

Located in Big Bend, WI

Outstanding Arts & Crafts sterling 171 piece flatware set. The hammering on this set is all hand done in a rustic style. Applied matching monogram. English Antique Hammered by Reed ...

Category

1910s Arts and Crafts Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Esteri Tomula, Spice Pot 'Pepper', Arabia
Esteri Tomula, Spice Pot 'Pepper', Arabia

Esteri Tomula, Spice Pot 'Pepper', Arabia

By Esteri Tomula, Arabia

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product description: We have on offer this pepper spice pot. At first glance, I was fascinated by the cuteness of these spice pots of this serie, but when I looked closely the desig...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Antique and Vintage Tableware

While it isn’t always top of mind for some, antique and vintage tableware can enhance even the most informal meal. It has been an intimate part of how we’ve interacted with our food for millennia.

Tableware has played a basic but important role in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used spoons (which are classified as flatware) made of ivory and wood, while Greeks and Romans, who gathered for banquets involving big meals and entertainment, ate with forks and knives. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, forks were still uncommon in American homes. Over time, tableware has thankfully evolved and today includes increasingly valuable implements.

Tableware refers to the tools people use to set the table, including serving pieces, dinner plates and more. It encompasses everything from the intricate and elaborate to the austere and functional, yet are all what industrial product designer Jasper Morrison might call “Super Normal” — anonymous objects that are too useful to be considered banal.

There are four general categories of tableware — serveware, dinnerware, drinkware and, lastly, flatware, which is commonly referred to as silverware or cutlery. Serveware includes serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, casserole pans and ladles. Most tableware is practical, but it can also be decorative. And decorative objects count as tableware too. Even though they don’t fit squarely into one of the four categories, vases, statues and floral arrangements are traditional centerpieces.

Drinkware appropriately refers to the vessels we use for our beverages — mugs, cups and glasses. There is a good deal of variety that falls under this broad term. For example, your cheerful home bar or mid-century modern bar cart might be outfitted with a full range of vintage barware, which might include pilsner glasses and tumblers. Specialty cocktails are often served in these custom glasses, but they’re still a type of drinkware.

Every meal should be special — even if you’re using earthenware or stoneware for a casual lunch — but perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party to mark a specific event. The right high-quality tableware can bring a touch of luxury to your cuisine. Young couples, for example, traditionally add “fine china,” or porcelain, to their wedding registry as a commemoration of their union and likely wouldn’t turn down exquisite silver made by Tiffany & Co. or Georg Jensen.

It’s important to remember, however, that when you’re setting the dining room table to have fun with it. Just as you might mix and match your dining chairs, don’t be afraid to mix new and old or high and low with your tableware. On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage and antique tableware to help elevate your meal as well as the mood and atmosphere of your entire dining room.