"Long before we had Scandinavian minimalism delivered in flat-packed boxes, Russel Wright was the one showing us that beautiful, modern design didn't have to be expensive or solely aspirational. His American Modern dinnerware made good taste accessible to the masses, with elegantly shaped platters, tea sets, and pitchers that were both stylish and affordable for middle-class Americans. So if you ever pass by a coral bowl with softly curved edges at a thrift store"
"Plates can go for as low as $5 and cups for $7, while more distinct pieces like a rotund casserole dish and a striking vegetable bowl with curled edges can cost under $20. But for the same reason that vintage Pyrex is so in demand and Fiestaware pieces, these items can be worth a lot of money, with some sites listing a gravy boat and saucer for almost $300 and a single pitcher for $400."
"American Modern dinnerware was one of the most popular ceramic products of all time, with over 250 million pieces sold between 1939 and 1959. Manufactured by Steubenville Pottery in six interchangeable colors, these earthenware pieces cost between 30 cents for a saucer to $4.50 for a water pitcher. This competitive pricing was a reflection of the line coming out in the wake of the Great Depression,"
Russel Wright designed American Modern dinnerware to make modern design affordable and practical for middle-class Americans. The line featured elegantly shaped platters, tea sets, pitchers, and distinctive pieces in six interchangeable colors that sold widely in the mid-20th century. Over 250 million pieces were sold between 1939 and 1959, priced from about 30 cents to $4.50 to remain competitive after the Great Depression. Steubenville Pottery manufactured the line, which aligned with the Good Design movement and democratized everyday objects. Many pieces remain collectible and can be valuable despite low thrift-store prices.
Read at Tasting Table
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