The Piece

Fiesta dinnerware set, c. 1936–1951.
Produced by the Homer Laughlin China Company.
Glazed ceramic earthenware in original green, comprising a bowl and two plates.
Impressed backstamp: “Fiesta® Made in U.S.A.”

Primary Description

This set consists of a glazed ceramic bowl paired with two matching plates, all finished in Fiesta’s original green glaze. The forms are defined by concentric ring banding that steps outward from the center, creating subtle relief and structure without applied ornament. Proportions are low and grounded, with gently flared rims designed for stacking and daily handling.

The glaze presents as a saturated medium green with a soft, even sheen. Light pooling occurs naturally along the recessed rings and at transitions in the form, a byproduct of early glaze application rather than a decorative effect. Surface variation is minimal, reflecting controlled industrial production while retaining the tactile qualities of pressed earthenware.

Historical Context

Fiesta was introduced in 1936 as part of a broader shift in American domestic design toward modern, affordable tableware. Produced during the late Depression era and continuing through World War II and the early postwar years, Fiesta reflected changing attitudes about color, utility, and mass production in everyday life.

The original green glaze, seen here, was among the earliest colors offered and remained in production until the early 1950s. During this period, Fiesta pieces were intended to be mixed, replaced, and used daily rather than preserved as sets. Surviving examples from this era often show wear or loss, making intact pieces representative of a utilitarian design language that prioritized function over formality.

Product Details / Materials & Presentation

→ Medium: Glazed ceramic earthenware
→ Construction: Press-molded forms with concentric ring profiling
→ Markings / backstamp: “Fiesta® Made in U.S.A.” Homer Laughlin China Co.
→ Glaze: Original green (early production, discontinued mid-20th century)

Condition + Updates

Overall condition is very good.
The glaze remains glossy and intact across all pieces, with light surface wear consistent with age and careful use. Minor utensil marks may be present. No chips, cracks, or repairs were observed. No restoration or alterations have been made.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This set works best where objects are allowed to be both visible and functional. The color reads as grounded and architectural rather than nostalgic, making it suitable for open shelving, kitchen use, or informal dining settings.

Its appeal lies in repetition and proportion rather than decoration. Whether displayed stacked or used individually, the pieces maintain visual coherence without demanding attention, aligning easily with both modern and traditional interiors.

From Viridian Eclection

Viridian Eclection offers domestic objects selected for their clarity of purpose and material honesty. Each piece is presented as an artifact of everyday life, valued for what it was made to do rather than what it can be made to suggest.