Whether you need to add to your grandmother’s cherished starter set of Franciscan Ivy recently gifted or wish to fill your new shabby chic china cabinet with this American classic earthenware, there is no better time than now to acquire these Mid Century California ceramic pottery dishes.

#1.  The California Mid-Century Pottery Boom is Over.

Never again will California see the artistic and commercial boom of potteries as what we saw ratchet up in the post-war years and wind down about the time Silicon Valley began to grow.  By that time Franciscan was made in England and now the maker’s market is entirely Chinese.  Time alone will continue to decrease the available inventory as pieces break, decay through wear, are inadvertently damaged or destroyed, and generally disappear.

#2.  Many Pieces are Currently Coming to Market.

Sadly, contemporaries of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo of the “I Love Lucy” 1950’s hit TV comedy are passing on, which is generating movement of these California beauties from dusty, forgotten china cabinets into the hands of new owners.  As one or two generations hand off their collections, original sets are split up and reassembled anew.  This is the ideal time to snag one of the rarer pieces such as a compote, teapot, or covered casserole,  Rarer still is the glassware made by Libbey especially for Franciscan, which then painted them to match the earthenware.  You can see the occasional bubble in the vintage glass.

#3.  California Franciscan Ivy Timelessly Appeals.

This simple design was so wildly popular that many American potteries launched their own line of ivy dishes, including Metlox Poppytrail California Ivy Dinnerware, Blue Ridge Southern Pottery Mountain Ivy, and Vogue Ceramic Industries, Governor’s Mansion, to name a few.  The green of nature simply encircling each piece never fades.

#4.  Your Children will Thank You.

Nothing says home and hearth like a simple display or table set with these classic American iconic pieces.  Perfect for wedding gifts and housewarming.

Mid-Century California Ceramics are forever favorites.

Hand-painted glazes should be bright and shiny on an unblemished cream ceramic.