Shenango China in New Castle Pennsylvania produced numerous lines of dinner and restaurant ware from 1901 to 1992. In 1939, they partnered with Rosenthal China in Germany to produce a line of fine dinnerware that was labeled Castleton China. In the 1950s, Castleton China was designed by several well-known industrial designers and artists. One of these was French artist Marcel Vertes, an illustrator and costume designer who earned 2 Academy Awards for the 1952 Movie "Moulin Rouge" and whose artistic works are displayed in museums around the world.
This Castleton China 10-5/8" plate with a glossy finish called "Forest Girl Painting" was designed by Marcel Vertes. The colorful design done very much in the Vertes style features a forest girl in an oversized beret with a palette at an easel, a pink squirrel, and a yellow and blue bird.
I was unable to find whether this exact "Forest Girl Painting" design actually went into production for Castleton China. It does have the Castleton China logo and "MADE IN U.S.A." on the bottom. The plate is unique in that the original display sample label printed "Shenango China New Castle Penn" and "Item" with handwritten in ink "Forest Girl Painting" and "Pattern" with handwritten in ink "Verte" and "DISPLAY SAMPLE" is still attached to the underside of the plate .
It is in very good vintage condition - no chips, hairlines, crazing, stains, or utensil marks. The glaze colors in the Vertes design are delicate but vivid. With the triangular DISPLAY SAMPLE on the underside, it is a one-of-a-kind plate and would be a standout addition to any collection - or look great displayed all on its own.
Ships USPS.