RARE Vernon Ware by cheapest Metlox California Collection “Big Sur”, Large Buffet Server Platter, 13.25”, Hand Painted

Exceptional RARE Vernon Ware by Metlox large serving plate. These pieces were hand painted, and there are variations to be found, which suggests some freedom was given to the decorators. This pattern is “Big Sur” from the California Collection, which included Monterey, Catalina, Capistrano, Mesa, Painted Desert, and Cognac. The line was introduced in the 1960's and ran through the 1970's. The California coastal scene is of the waves crashing on the rocky shore at sunset. It is painted in shades of blue and brown on a speckled tan background. The plate measures 13.25” across, and 1” tall. There are NO chips, cracks, or repairs. There is a light residue ring, possibly, God forbid, from being used as a drip plate for a planter. See pic.

Metlox Potteries, founded in Manhattan Beach, CA in 1927 and was a family run operation from 1947 until its closing in 1989. (“Metlox” is a combination of “metal” and “oxide”, a reference to the glaze pigments.) Decorations were added by hand, including the signature number of the artist. A spray glaze was cheapest added and then the piece refired, preserving the pattern under the glaze for the life of the product. There were two prominent divisions within the company: Poppytrail (1946) and Vernonware (1958). Metlox Potteries is recognized as one of California's, and USA's, most outstanding potteries!