The Antique Tableware Brand To Hunt At Thrift Stores (It's Not Pyrex)

Thrift stores can be treasure troves for cooking enthusiasts. Sure, you might have to sift through some junk, but lying beneath all of those cheap trays and chipped mugs could be a range of top-quality vintage pieces that will last for life. Pyrex is always a great brand to look out for if you need new serving dishes, but next time you're on the hunt, there's another name you should look for: Mottahedeh.

Mottahedeh is a luxury ceramic company that is renowned around the world for its fine china reproductions. With a history spanning more than 90 years, Mottahedeh has been commissioned by the White House, the U.S. State Department, and several high-profile museums, and the porcelain pieces have become highly collectible. Like Pyrex, Mottahedeh has sold countless beautiful serving dishes over the years, many of which show up on thrift-store shelves.

The pieces, which are mainly produced in Portugal, come in a variety of unique, historic shapes, and the centuries-old craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident. Because they're porcelain, the dishes hold complex shapes and brilliant color while remaining thin and light. Like the vintage Pyrex dishes everyone is after, the patterns are beautiful, stand the test of time, and can be warmed in the oven. But a major bonus is that, unlike valuable Pyrex dishes, many pieces are dishwasher- safe.

Mottahedeh was established by Rafi and Mildred Mottahedeh, a New York-based couple who were highly interested in cross-cultural art. Rafi Mottahedeh moved to the U.S. from Persia in 1925 and started importing antiques from his homeland soon after. Mildred, who was from New Jersey, entered the reproduction business in the 1950s. The emphasis was on beauty, quality, and building on the past for the future, much as it is today.

A new Mottahedeh oval dish can retail for over $300, and even the vintage items can fetch hundreds on resale sites. You can find deals though, depending on where you shop. One of the most popular designs was inspired by the 18th-century Chinese Tobacco Leaf pattern, while the blue-and-white Blue Canton design is also a classic. Each one is timeless, striking an elegant balance between old-world nostalgia and modern usage.

It pays to brush up on vintage pieces before buying to ensure you don't end up with a dupe. To spot a genuine antique Mottahedeh piece, check the underside for the company's name and the Vista Alegre factory mark, which is where the pieces are produced in Portugal. If you're hunting online, you can turn your notifications on for keywords to spot new listings. It's always worth hunting at flea and antique markets too. Here are some other vintage tableware pieces to keep an eye out for, and if you spot this inexpensive vintage dishware, stock up.