A summer tableau decked in porcelain from a maker that honors heritage above all else is an ideal invitation to celebrate any occasion, dazzling guests with intricate details and vibrant colors.
Admiration for a beautifully arrayed table is often paired with an appreciation for the past, with the legacies of early artists who dreamt up china patterns inspiring generations of decorators and hostesses. Hardly anyone resonated with this sentiment more than Mildred Mottahedeh, founder of the eponymous chinaware brand. In 1925, Mildred and her husband, Rafi, dealt antiques, but as the market thinned in World War II, the couple began working with museums, creating licensed reproductions of storied tableware and decorative accessories.
“Mildred believed in history and tradition, and this was her way of keeping them alive for future generations,” says Chief Visual Officer Paul Wojcik. In Mottahedeh’s earliest days, Mildred carried relics in her lap aboard flights across oceans to ensure the safekeeping of each treasure. Today, the company partners with noted historical organizations, such as the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and federal entities, including the White House and the U.S. Department of State, to produce remarkably precise dinnerware to be shown in exhibits and for retail purchase. From period-appropriate bowl shapes to exact chemical combinations for a faithful color match, Mottahedeh is unparalleled in attention to detail.
Among the most-loved collections, Prosperity is modeled from pieces found at Martha and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Interestingly, a saucer was added to the assemblage, as the former president used teacups while traveling on horseback and, therefore, had no need of the accompanying dish. Popular since the 1980s is Tobacco Leaf, a vibrant mélange incorporating twenty-seven colors and 22-karat gold.
This deep respect for heritage informs Mottahedeh’s high standards, as each piece is manufactured using the same processes as its original counterpart. After Mildred’s eventual retirement, her family friend Wendy Kvalheim took over in 1992, continuing the brand’s commitment to the timeless melding of expert craftsmanship and classic design.
Text Lydia McMullen
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Sidney Bragiel
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