Vernon Kilns Hibiscus, California Pottery, Oval Platter, 13 3/4"

Description

Listing is for one (1) oval platter in the Hibiscus pattern by Vernon Kilns, California; platter is 13 3/4" x 10 1/2" and in good condition with no chips or cracks.
The design features a central oval of sprawling yellow hibiscus flowers with touches of green and blue and an intricate brown border; the sides slope up gently with scalloped ribbing culminating in a rim border of more hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii, but is also seen widely in California (although not native there). The Hibiscus pattern was produced from 1944 to 1954 by Vernon Kilns, but is also often listed under the Metlox brand. See my other listings for a matching covered dish--I can combine shipping.
Vernon Kilns was started in 1912 in Vernon, California, as Poxon China, but renamed the Vernon Potteries, Ltd. and Vernon Kilns in 1931 under a new owner. An earthquake in 1933 destroyed many of the original Poxon molds which gave new owners an opportunity to create new, original shapes and designs. Vernon Kilns hired well-known artists such as Rockwell Kent and Don Blanding to create new dinnerware patterns, and in 1940 signed a contract with Walt Disney Productions to make figurines based on Disney films. Also produced in the 1940s were a variety of commemorative plates--State plates (Alaska, California, etc.), city plates (Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, etc.), county plates, national park plates, personality/celebrity plates, President plates, and more. During WWII when customers were unable to acquire English-style dinnerware, Vernon Kilns created molds and patterns to meet the demand for this style of dinnerware; this is how the Hibiscus pattern came into production. The company made dinnerware and figurines until 1953 when it was purchased by Metlox which maintained many of the Vernon patterns.
Vernon Kilns was one of the "big five" California potteries, the others being Metlox, Pacific Clay Products, Gladding McBean & Bompany, and JA Bauer Pottery.