Compote, Napco, Hand-Painted Fruit, Brushed Gold Rim, Brass Pedestal, Vintage 1938

Before Napco became known for its ceramic novelties and iconic head vases, it was making things like this — quiet, considered pieces with genuine craftsmanship behind them.

• Maker: National Potteries Corporation (Napco)
• Materials: Hand-painted porcelain on brass-tone metal pedestal
• Dimensions: 10" diameter; 3.5" tall
• Origin: Bedford, Ohio
• Era: Vintage, 1938–1945
• Condition: Very good vintage condition — minor wear to gold rim in one area; no chips, cracks, or scratches. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

The porcelain plate features a central arrangement of painted fruits — pears, grapes, peaches — surrounded by smaller fruit vignettes along the border, all finished with a hand-brushed gold rim that remains largely intact. It sits on a brass-tone metal pedestal that elevates it beautifully for display or service.

A striking centerpiece for a buffet, or a fruit bowl for a formal table.

Stamped on the base “Original Napco China, Hand Painted, 1M2671,” this piece was made during Napco's earliest years in Bedford, Ohio, before the company pivoted to importing from Japan. Napco pieces from this early domestic production period are far less common than their later Japanese imports. Also known as a Comport — today the terms Compote and Comport are used interchangeably, though “Comport” is technically the older, 16th-century variation.

A gift for the collector of American mid-century ceramics, or anyone drawn to hand-painted decorative serveware.