The collection
Set of white ceramic dishes. Two bowls, one shallower than the other, each have lids with indentations for handles. One stacking sugar bowl and creamer; one creamer, and one teacup and saucer.
1946

Dinnerware, Iroquois Casual China

Designed by
Russel Wright (1904–1976)
Material
Glazed earthenware
Produced by
Iroquois China Company, Solvay, New York
Dimensions
Casserole (right): 8 x 26.5 x 26.5 cm

The Liliane and David M. Stewart Program for Modern Design, 2013.11.1–5

Russel Wright is famous for his best-selling American Modern dinnerware, and his designs for the Iroquois China Company of almost a decade later were also intended for a more informal lifestyle. American Modern was still being produced by Steubenville Pottery when Iroquois Casual was introduced, so the two lines were commercial competitors.

In keeping with Wright’s prescription for informal modern living, Iroquois advertised that its oven-to-table dinnerware would not chip or break, even promising that “It’s replaced if it breaks!” Like American Modern, it was offered in a range of colors for consumers to mix and match if they chose.

The Stewart Program for Modern Design, photo: Denis Farley.