We’ve got a definite weak spot for 1970s dinnerware we find in our travels, especially the stoneware.
Patterns from Midwinter, Mikasa and even Noritake go great with table settings based on the days when vintage was new: back to the land, Earth Day, Earth Shoe and The Mother Earth News.
Midwinter’s series of patterns – Sun, Moon and Earth – go literally with the environmental themes of the day, themes that are coming back around for another view, and revival, in our times.
The cups shown are Sun and Moon. We haven’t found Earth yet, but the bands are brown. These patterns can coordinate with each other, or other rustic wares for an eclectic casual or cabin table setting.
We also like the Potter’s Art series by Mikasa, which includes late Ben Seibel designs. They're refined rustic, and very practical.
The stoneware of the 1970s period is heavy and substantial -- with enduring value, like the earth itself.
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Was wondering if a 1970’s stoneware china set is microwave safe, it seems to have painting on it and wonder if it would be lead paint.
Any help would be apprecited.
Have just inherited a 1970 Scottish stoneware china set. It had not arrived yet. I am told it was purchasd from Phialdelphia, PA. We are wondering if it would be microwave safe? It also has some painting design and thought it might be possible it would be lead. I do beleive it is oven safe. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello Dale,
We follow manufacturer indications, as to whether a particular dinnerware is microwave safe. It should be indicated on the back of the pieces. I would not be worried about lead in this particular Midwinter dinnerware, mentioned in the article.
If you have any concerns about lead, you should look at having a test of the specific ware you have. You may get some avenues for that via an internet search for info, or from you local health department.
Please note the colors on the dinnerware are glaze (not paint) and are fired on. Yet I have heard of some rustic earthenware pottery having problems in the past, as well as some artisan pieces. I would not expect that from a major dinnerware manufacturer.
You can check your Scottish dinnerware, once it arrives, to see what the backstamp says, regarding these concerns.
Also, please note that any ware that has metallic trim or detail (gold or silver/platinum) is not microwave safe. This is generally found on porcelain or fine china, and not common on stoneware or more casual china patterns.
Hello again,
Got your message. Sorry, oven safe is not the same as microwave safe.
Microwaves were coming in to use, but not as common in the 1970s as now. Unless the piece is marked “Microwave safe,” it cannot be presumed to be so.
Glad to hear the dinnerware arrived! You’ll know soon whether it can be used in the microwave!