DESCRIPTION: This is a great 9½" x 13" divided dish/plate/tray from PY pottery, made in Japan in the 1950's. I cannot find a picture of this pattern anywhere, soit may be a rare one. It is decorated with themes of spices and herbs. Clockwise: spice cabinet with spoon rack and drawer full of bay leaves, chicken casserole dish, and mushroom; lemon; cinnamon sticks; unpeeled water chestnuts, and basket full of garlic bulbs.
CONDITION: A few very thin flakes or nicks on the underside of the rim that do not show at all from the front, pictured below. No cracks, crazing or repairs, generally very nice.
NOTE: Py pottery was made from earthenware, which is soft clay and is known to chip rather easily, it is common to find minor nicks on items. Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Not considered dishwasher safe. Drastic temperature changes in pottery can cause cracks.
HISTORY: Py pottery originated in 1931, produced by a company named Miyao in Yokkaichi City, Japan. It was introduced to Americans after WWII. During the US occupation, the Py trademark was exclusively given to the Miyawo Company by the general headquarters of the American military force.. From 1949 to 1961, Miyawo Company Limited, under the name Miyao, produced quality PY novelties for American distributing companies such as Lefton, Enesco, Napco, Norcrest, and Geo. Borgfeldt.
Woolworth's and UCAGO were among its largest customers. Some popular lines were: Veggie Face Gardeners; Pretty Flower Girl Faces; Early Provincial (Rooster & Roses) dinnerware; 'Oh My, A Fly!' Chef line; Veggie Kids; Boy & Girl Wall Pockets; Dainty Miss; Friends & Toodle Too; Bluebird & Feathery Friends; A Bee Line To Roses; Christmas Tree & Holly; Gay 90 tableware; Great American Character jugs: Apple, Pear, Lemon and other Fruit Faces; Office People, Household People; Cabbage Rose.
