This set of two leaf-shaped porcelain dishes, from Gladding McBean's Kaolena line, carries a quiet piece of California pottery history — the same maker behind the state's iconic architectural terracotta and tile work.
Maker: Gladding McBean (Kaolena line for Max Schonfeld)
Materials: Porcelain, hand-painted florals, gold rim
Dimensions: 4" long x 4¼" wide, each
Set: 2 leaf-shaped dishes
Origin: California, USA
Era: Vintage, 1930–1951
Condition: Mixed — one excellent (minor gold wear only), one good (small rim chip, minor gold wear). Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.
Whether made as salt cellars, butter pats, or both is a matter of interpretation; today they serve equally well as ring dishes, earring catchers, mise en place bowls, or small condiment servers on a beautifully set table. A meaningful find for a California pottery collector, a Gladding McBean or Franciscan enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a piece with a story.
Gladding McBean made things that lasted — from the red roof tiles on Stanford's campus to the terracotta on California's Spanish Colonial buildings. Their Kaolena line was produced exclusively for Los Angeles distributor Max Schonfeld between 1930 and 1951, stamped with his initials "MS" alongside the Gladding McBean mark.
Browse our shop for more vintage California pottery and Gladding McBean pieces to round out your collection.
