Breathing Fire Into Dinnerware: Exploring Dragon-Themed Tableware Beyond The Chinese Influence

Dragon dinnerware sets are a unique and eye-catching way to serve food and drinks. From stoneware to porcelain, these dinnerware sets feature intricate dragon designs that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're looking for a full dinner set or individual pieces, there are options available to suit your needs. Many of these sets feature heavy and strong stoneware or porcelain with intricate dragon motifs, adding a sense of happy prosperity to your dining experience.

Dragon-themed dinnerware from around the world, including Japan, China, and England

Dragon-themed dinnerware is a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of fantasy and culture to their dining experience. Here is a look at some examples of dragon-themed dinnerware from around the world, including Japan, China, and England:

Japan

Japanese dragon-themed dinnerware often features intricate designs and craftsmanship. One example is the vintage Japanese Kozan Gama porcelain sea dragon dinner plate, a rare and highly sought-after piece. Other vintage options include the Moriage Dragonware tea set, which originates from Japan and usually includes teacups, saucers, and plates with raised dragon designs. Japanese dragon plates also come in various colours, such as blue, orange, and black, with some featuring hand-painted details and gold trim.

China

Chinese dragon dinnerware often features blue and white porcelain with intricate dragon designs. A 20-piece dinner service in this style features a dragon design based on techniques from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). This set includes round plates, coffee cups with saucers, and soup plates. Another option is a vintage Chinese blue and white double dragon dish set, which is a rare and beautiful choice.

England

England also offers some unique dragon-themed dinnerware options. For example, Wedgwood, an English company, has created dragon-themed dinnerware in collaboration with Florentine. Their black salad plates feature bone china construction with gold trim and dragons, offering a sophisticated and elegant option.

Vintage dragon dinnerware sets from the 1900s to the 1940s

Vintage dragon dinnerware sets from the early 20th century are characterised by formality and traditional shapes, with most plates featuring rims and shaped edges. During the 1910s, due to World War I, American families stopped buying German and Japanese dinnerware. Dinnerware produced between 1900 and 1920 often featured flower patterns, especially violets, or calendar dates, and were generally pastel or had a white background.

In the 1920s, dining rooms and dinner tables shrank in size, and Americans began importing foreign dinnerware again. New styles, bright colours, and geometric shapes were introduced.

In the 1930s, spaghetti sets, corn-on-the-cob sets, and deviled-egg plates became popular. Towards the end of the decade, holiday-themed dishes were in vogue, with families seeking turkey plates for Thanksgiving and Christmas tree-decorated dinnerware for Christmas. Pastel colours remained popular, as did cream white or ivory sets with elaborate gilding.

The 1940s saw a revolution in dinnerware design, with experimentation in modern shapes, deep reds, blues, and greens, and the hand-painted "peasant" look. Rimless shapes and streamlined handles characterised contemporary designs, reflecting a shift towards less formal dining.

Specific vintage dragon dinnerware sets from the 1900s to the 1940s include:

• Antique Japanese Hand Painted Dinnerware Asian Plates Set, featuring orange and gold plates with dragonware
• Antique Meijyo Kutani Japan Dragon Dinnerware, a 50-piece set from the 1920s
• Satsuma Japan Porcelain Dragon Ware, a vintage cup and saucer set from the 1940s
• Mid Century Modern Winfield Dragon Flower Dinnerware, with sets and pieces sold separately, including plates, cups, saucers, bowls, and ashtrays

Dinnerware sets featuring different types of dragons, such as Chinese dragons and dragon ware

There are several dinnerware sets featuring dragons available for purchase. Here are some options:

Chinese Dragon Dinnerware:

• Amazon offers a 20-piece dinner set featuring a blue and white rice pattern with a Chinese dragon design. The set includes 4 10" round plates, 4 7" round plates, 4 coffee cups with saucers, and 4 8" soup plates.
• Etsy offers a variety of Chinese dragon dinnerware sets, including vintage and antique options. Some sets include hand-painted Moriage dragon ware plates, vintage Japanese Kozan Gama porcelain sea dragon plates, and Nippon Japanese Moriage dragonware snack plates.

Other Dragon Dinnerware:

• Wayfair offers a Bowl Bop Blue Dragons Japanese Dinnerware Set, which includes a 16-ounce ramen bowl and chopsticks. The colourful ramen bowl features mythical dragons navigating the waters, with a distinctly Japanese pattern on the rim.
• Etsy also offers dragon dinnerware that is not specifically Chinese. Some examples include vintage Japanese dragon ware trinket trays, Winfield Dragon Flower Dinnerware sets, and dragon-themed children's plates and cups.

Please note that specific availability may vary, and some items may be unavailable or sold separately.

Dragon dinnerware for children, including plates, bowls, and cups

Dragon-themed dinnerware is a fun way to make mealtimes more enjoyable for children. There are several options available for dragon-themed plates, bowls, and cups suitable for children.

Etsy offers a personalised dragon dinnerware set for children, including a plate, bowl, and cup made of melamine. This set is a great option for gifts, with a dragon design and the child's name. The items are also dishwasher-safe and very durable.

Amazon offers a range of dragon-themed dinnerware sets for children, including plates, bowls, and cups. One option is the "Girl Dragon Plate Set", which features a pink and green dragon design. This set can also be personalised with a child's name, making it an excellent gift choice.

Another option available on Amazon is the "Munchkin 12-piece Baby and Toddler Feeding Supplies Set", which includes plates, bowls, and cups. This set is ideal for babies and toddlers just starting their self-feeding journey, and the bright colours make mealtimes more engaging.

IKEA also offers a range of children's dinnerware, including plates, bowls, and cups. While these may not feature dragon designs, they are impact and scratch-resistant, stackable, and easy for children to use. The IKEA KALAS children's dinnerware set is a durable and colourful option to make mealtimes fun.

Unique dragon dinnerware items like sushi trays, tea sets, and mugs

Dragon-themed dinnerware is a unique way to elevate your dining experience. Here are some interesting pieces to consider:

Sushi Trays

If you're a sushi enthusiast, why not add a touch of dragon magic to your next sushi night? The Lunar New Year Sushi Tray from Etsy is a stunning 50-inch serving tray featuring a dragon design. It's perfect for adding a decorative touch to your sushi spread and makes a great gift for special occasions.

Tea Sets

For tea lovers, a dragon-themed tea set can turn tea time into a mythical experience. The Chinese Dragon Mug and Tea Set from The Met Store is an elegant choice. It includes a tea-infusing covered mug adorned with a detail from a 16th-century Chinese dish, along with a tin of cinnamon spice tea.

Another option is the Dragonware Tea Set from Etsy, which offers various vintage and antique dragon-themed tea sets. These sets often include teapots, creamers, sugar bowls, and cups with saucers, providing a complete experience for your afternoon tea.

Mugs

Dragon mugs are a fun way to bring some fantasy into your daily routine. The Dragon Mug collection from Etsy offers a wide range of options, from colour-changing mugs to 3D dragon-shaped handles. You can also find mugs featuring different types of dragons, such as bearded dragons or medieval-style dragons. These mugs make great gifts for dragon enthusiasts and fantasy lovers.

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