Plate from the Hotel Astor c. 1905
buffalochinaco
minneapolisinstituteofart
ceramic, earthenware
circular oval feature
decorative element
egg art
pottery
cake food
ceramic
culinary art
earthenware
stoneware
ceramic
united-states
earthenware
food photography
This plate, produced by the Buffalo China Co. around 1905, is a prime example of Art Nouveau design. The plate features a delicate border of stylized floral motifs, showcasing the movement's emphasis on organic forms and flowing lines. The center of the plate features the crest of the Hotel Astor, a symbol of luxury and sophistication in early 20th-century New York City. The plate's elegant design and association with the iconic hotel make it a fascinating artifact of American dining history.
Comments
The heavier weight, customized crest, floral rim, and undecorated center of this plate are typical of restaurant services made in upstate New York. Hotel Astor stood between 44th and 45th Streets on Broadway in New York City, advertised as "Ten Stories of the Latest Luxury." A 1905 illustration in the New York Times celebrated the hotel's advanced kitchens, well-appointed dining rooms, and wine Vaults. At least one later version of this sunflower motif was designed for the hotel before it was demolished in 1967.
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