“Like China” was apparently a name coined by collectors, not Red Wing Potteries. The name, “Like China”, does not appear on brochures or price lists. The shapes were very similar to items in the True China line, but there were a few differences. The knob or handle on Like China covers was described in promotional literature as a “miniature pineapple”. The salt & pepper shakers were shorter and wider than True China shakers. With two exceptions the lineup of available pieces was the same for both lines. The six-piece relish tray was excluded from Like China, but a short squat water pitcher was added. No deletions or additions were made to the line during the years in production.
Despite the many similarities between Like China and True China, there is no confusing one for the other because of the vast differences in the color and decorating schemes. Most True China patterns featured delicate handpainted designs against a white background. The four Like China patterns had an intricate abstract floral design in a single color set against a colored background. The same design was used for Brocade, Blue Shadows and Damask, and colors were shared between them. Kashmir had a different but similar design and completely different colors. The floral design appeared to have been applied using a stencil or a similar device rather than brush strokes. Red Wing Potteries continued its struggle to maintain financial viability in the face of Asian competition. The Like China line seemed to be an attempt to reduce the cost of labor and materials as compared to their previous lines.
Damask Years: 1964-1967
Damask had the abstract floral design applied in a greenish-gold color on the beige fleck background. The same greenish-gold color was also found on the rims and edges of most pieces. Damask sold quite well and most pieces are fairly easy to find today, but there doesn’t seem to be much of a market for this pattern.
Brocade Years: 1966
Brocade featured the same greenish-gold design as Damask but against a light blue background. Brocade is the most difficult to find of the Like China patterns but like Damask doesn’t appear to hold much interest for collectors at this time.
Blue Shadows Years: 1966-1967
Blue Shadows had the same light blue background as Brocade and the design was a darker shade of blue. Blue Shadows was introduced at the same time as Brocade and was the more successful of the two patterns. The blue on blue color scheme is quite attractive.
Kashmir Years: 1965-1967
Kashmir differed from its sister patterns in several ways. A different abstract floral design was used for Kashmir. Unlike the other three patterns, the exterior surface of Kashmir hollow ware was a solid color rather than decorated. And the colors were dark. The end result was a more formal look for Kashmir. The floral design was a deep gold color set on a dark brown background. The exterior color for hollow ware was a crackled metallic brown. This glaze appeared to be borrowed from an art pottery line produced during this period, while the deep gold looks to have been borrowed from the Tahitian Gold pattern. Collectors like the unusual color combination of Kashmir and thus it is more in demand than other Like China patterns.
