Old Staffordshire “Ningpo” by Johnson Brothers is a fabulous example vintage china at its most romantic.
Information on the pattern is a bit scarce, but I gather its heyday was the 1930s. Something to brighten that time of austerity, certainly.
The gorgeous detail on the rim of the plate caught my attention, from the beaded edge to the exquisitely rendered flowing border in a typically 1930s shade of minty-green. Delicate floral sprays cascade across a bone coloured background on the shoulder of the plate, and spill into the white centre in exuberant profusion of deep yellows and vibrant oranges. Scrumptious.
Such a luscious, yet restrained pattern. An eBay find!
The canvas: a plain white tablecloth. Gold Luster charger plates topped with gold rimmed dinner plates (discontinued) from Pier 1 set the background.
On to the supporting cast. Gold Swirl antique Venetian goblets from Elise Abrams Antiques.
Opaline Salt Dips from The Source Collection echoed the delicate green border.
Gold flower napkin rings from Amazon added a layer of interest on the neatly rolled white napkin. A little restrained and buttoned up, the linens reflect the sparseness of the floral sprays.
Bright yellow chrysanthemums and deep orange gerber daisies echoed the vibrant colours in the plate. Thank you, Trader Joe’s.
All set for dinner on a lovely warm summer evening.
Sorry for the relative silence this week, folks. I’ve had a nasty bout of food poisoning and am just dragging myself back into the land of the living. Ugh. On the mend now, though!
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
What a restrained yet cheerful table, with the vibrant yellows and red-orange in the plates. Picking up the minty tones helps balance them nicely. Helen, hope you are feeling better and will enjoy this dinner outdoors in a lovely setting.
I have a dilemma in gold and silver. I’m never quite pleased with my white with gold-and-green trimmed terribly formal Haviland of this pattern, with lots of gold handles on the serving pieces:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Theodore-Haviland-Limoges-France-Gravy-Boat-Green-Gold-1903-Antique-/263439491341
I don’t like it with sterling flatware, but perhaps your chargers and bone-handled cutlery would pull it together better. I’ll try setting it with masses of white peonies right now! Embroidered antique lacy white serviettes seem called for. I feel it just doesn’t do to lean too informal with these classic porcelain patterns. I see you’ve left the spoons off again…lol.
I really like that Havilland pattern, Beatrice, and I wonder if it’s the geometric overtones that “clang” rather than the gold with the sterling? It’s got an Arts & Crafts vibe; gorgeous, but perhaps doesn’t ring with the shape of your sterling flatware? And yes, find the bakelite handled flatware goes with practically everything!
Thank you for your good wishes. I’m feeling a whole lot better today.
The table setting was one I had “in the bank” so to speak, thus pre-spoon post. Lol.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Helen, now that you mention it, you may be right. While the china is from early 1900s, it does suggest the geometric vibe of Deco. The flatware is Francis I dating from the same era–but very Renaissance-ish ornate with different fruit on each piece:
https://www.replacements.com/webquote/rdsfranc.htm
Looking at the china with new eyes (casting off all those years of family Christmas/birthday table settings), I can see that a simple Deco clean-lined look may be what’s required.
Too bad this is plate–is this more like it?
https://www.replacements.com/p/ricci-argentieri-art-deco-silverplate-5-piece-place-setting/rccard/60378841
Now if I can re-purpose some of the serve ware to hold flowers…it is pretty grand!
Oh, I very much like the Ricci Argentieiri flatware, Beatrice; it would give the china very different look. The Francis will do very well for state occasions where you want to highlight the grandeur of the china, and you could have a soigné alternative with the Argentieri. Nothing wrong with plate, either 🙂 The toned down nature suits the “smart casual” vibe! Nice find, my friend!
Love the flowers that pick up the color of the pretty orange and yellow flowers on the plates. Definitely a summer evening setting. And those green salt dips are adorable. Sorry you’ve been unwell but glad you’re on the mend. Take care and we’ll see you soon.
Thanks, Maura. There is something about bright yellow and vibrant orange that spells summer, ant there? Hope you have a great weekend.
Nice find. So dainty and delicate. Beautiful setting.
Thanks Myrna!
Your Ningpo JB’s plates are gorgeous ! I would have never imagined such a pattern for JB, but these plates are unique. Your tablescape is beautiful.
I’m so glad you are feeling in the mend; food poisoning is such a drag !
Hugs,
Fabby
Thanks, Fabby! I’m definitely feeling a lot better (thank goodness).
I was also very surprised to find such a pattern from Johnson Brothers. Just goes to show, doesn’t it? Maybe we are only thinking of their more modern (and limited) production, which is of a certain look. This pattern is a departure, for sure.
I love those plates! And it certainly isn’t what I expected when I read Johnson Brothers in the title of the post. This is a beautiful table and I’m glad you shared it. Keep feeling better!
I was very surprised, too, Joy. They’re not at all typical Johnson Brothers. I’ve managed to acquire two dinner plates called “Garfield” by Johnson Brothers, too. The green is really rich. Another unexpected pattern.
I think I have a set of that China. It was a gift to me which, unfortunately, will likely never be used in my home. I’m not one for entertaining much these days 🙁
Why not use it for your own enjoyment, Amber? You don’t have to wait to entertain anyone else.