SQUARE WITH FLAIR!

Produced only between 1937 and 1939, Metlox’s fabulous Pintoria line was square with flair! Also known as the “400 Series” line, this short set included a serving platter, serving bowl, dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer, creamer and open sugar.

Commercial ceramists often looked to other artists and designers for inspiration in creating new lines. In 1929, the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian made waves with his “Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow,” featuring a block pattern in three primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and three primary values (grey, black, white) in a vertical and horizontal grid. No doubt influenced by Mondrian, Metlox came up with Pintoria, a unique, modern square pattern. Metlox glazed Pintoria in seven 200 Series colors: Delphinium Blue, Old Rose, Canary Yellow, Turquoise Blue, Poppy Orange, Rust, and Cream. With its flat edges, Pintoria chips easily, and the forward-thinking design was likely not popular with consumers. As a result of its short production run, Pintoria is hard to find.

The 3D modeled scene at right showcases Pintoria with one of Mondrian’s major works, “Broadway Boogie-Woogie” (1942-43, 50x50in) on a Heywood-Wakefield C2932 G table (1936-39) and 1930s Heywood dining chairs. The carafe is from Metlox’s California Pottery line.

Image Copyright 2020 QwkDog Design (12/20)