design aphrodisiac

aren't these simply lovely? can't you picture, a beach side, victorian home in say rhode island or new hampshire--1870s, sunday supper, gauzy curtains billowing into the room and a plate like one of these being placed in front of you. a small mound of shaved ice in the center, big yummy oysters ready to gulp.

the patrician aesthetic of these has always delighted me (yes, delighted i love old and staid) but what i'm really drawn to are the gorgeous glazes and intricate 3 dimensional designs. they were originally used in wealthy homes of the victorian era. meals consisted of 8 and 10 courses. special utensils and dishes were part of the theater.but once, WWI broke out, frivolities such as these were packed away or put up in a break front for show. my little beach bungalow, filled with kids, dogs and an errant flip-flop would be such a great place for something like this. it's not staid, and it's not grand but that's exactly what i love, mixing it all up. bringing the past into the present...delightfully!