Dynasty Line

Plum Blossom Pink Years: 1950 – 1953

The Dynasty line featured six-sided pieces with an Asian appearance. According to a Plum Blossom brochure, the shapes were “reminiscent of ageless Chinese designs”. The two patterns in this line were identical except for the color of the plum blossoms that appeared on the flatware (plates and bowls). Vintage price lists referred to the yellow version as Citron Yellow and the pink version as Petal Pink. There seems to be quite of bit more of the yellow version available today, so naturally collectors gravitate towards the pink version. Price lists stated the hollow ware was available in three solid colors: Citron Yellow, Mica Bronze, and Woodland Green. Though the names were fancier, the colors were actually the same as Concord Chartreuse, Metallic Brown and Forest Green. In 1951 the Concord spoon rest decorated with the plum blossom design was added to the Dynasty line. Several rare color variations have been found on Dynasty pieces including light blue blossoms and trim (rather than yellow or pink) as well as solid colored pieces in Town & Country colors (primarily Sand).

During this time period designer Charles Murphy left Red Wing Potteries due to a contract dispute. Eva Zeisel and Belle Kogan contributed new designs in the interim. Red Wing foreman William Warr claimed credit for designing Plum Blossom Yellow and Plum Blossom Pink.