SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

So just what do I store in that big cupboard?

Since it is Show and Tell Friday, I guess it is time to open the doors to view one of my addictions.

I've been collecting German Lustre dishes for over 20 years. I got started when I inherited some pieces from my Grandmother. Then I kept finding them while out junking, friends began to give them to me as gifts, and now after amassing over 140 pieces; I'm addicted!

German Lustre was in the early 20th century quite common and inexpensive. The dishware was an alternative to the more popular and expensive hand-painted dishes of that era. The cheaper variety were decorated with decals which with a magnifying glass, you can see the tiny dots that make up the decal. After the decal was applied, color around the edges was added, then a glaze containing metallic oxides was added. This gives the dishware that rainbow shine. Most of these dishes were made in Germany.

I've found the dishes in all forms and sizes. Above in the front is a butter dish, and below is a square cake plate; and in front are sets of children's play dishes.

Most have floral decals of primarily roses, but about a third of my collection have fruit decals.

I've often found dishes with the same decal used, but with different colors on the edges. That is a cheese keeper in the front below.

This cracker jar belonged to my grandmother.

The plate below has pretty Fall leaves with the fruit. This particular manufacturer always used molds with pretty, fancy edges. Most are marked on the back with either a manufacturer or just Germany.

I have dishes shaped like leaves, all sizes and shapes of pitchers, and a couple of berry sets.

Below is a very large plate, relish dishes, a bone dish, a pin tray, and toothpick holder.

I have many more beautiful plates and large bowls to show, but I'll save those for another day and another post.

Be sure to go check out Cindy at My Romantic Home.
She is hosting this party today, and you just know she will have something marvelous to show along with the other participants.