| |
Everyday I learn some new interesting fact about a piece of vintage kitchenalia or the company that produced it. I am fascinated by trivia that is kitchen related. I have always loved Py/Miyao products but until recently knew little about the company. I thought I would share a few of my most recently learned facts about the history of this wonderful company and it’s products. All of these great facts can be found in the book, “Py/Miyao Fun Kitchen Collectibles,” Hobby House Press, 2003, by Belinda Evans.
...Py/Miyao pottery manufacturing began in 1931, but it was not introduced to Americans until after W.W.II.
...Py marked pottery came from Yokkaichi City, Japan. Another familiar mark on this pottery is “Miyao”. Py pottery did come from a company named Miyao. From 1949 until 1961, Miyawo Company Limited under the name Miyao produced all of these high quality PY novelties for American distributing companies.
...After the war, American military forces occupied Japan to assist with the reparation....During this occupation, the Py trademark was exclusively given to the Miyawo Company by the general headquarters of the American military force.
...Py pottery was made from earthenware, which is soft clay and is known to chip rather easily, it is common to find minor nicks on items.
...most Py/Miyao pottery was intended for use in the kitchen. Because they are made from soft clay, I would not recommend washing them in a dishwasher....when washing any ceramic items, remember to keep water lukewarm. Drastic temperature changes in pottery can cause cracks.
...the F. W. Woolworth Company was one of it’s primary customers....selling Veggie Face Gardeners and pretty flower girl faces.
...In 1949, UCAGO was the second oldest and one of the largest customers....In the 1950’s an original design of dinnerware that represented Italian Provincial Lifestyles was created....an enduring design of a rooster and vibrant pink roses overflowing with green vines...it was named Early Provincial....This was the beginning of what is known as Rooster and Roses.....UCAGO also distributed the “Oh My, A Fly!” Chef line, and Veggie Kids
...Lefton distributed Boy & Girl Wall Pockets, Dainty Miss, Friends & Toodle Too, Bluebird & Feathery Friends, A Bee Line To Roses, Christmas Tree & Holly...
...Miyawao Co. product lines for Geo. Borgfeldt & Co. include anthropomorphic and Gay 90 tableware and Great American Character jugs....Apple Faces, Pear Faces, Lemon Faces and other Fruit Faces....other distributed lines....Office People, Household People, Cabbage Rose. Gay 90 Lady & Gentleman and the American Character jugs which included Robert E. Lee, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Captain Ahab, and Ichabod Crane...
...the Miyawo company made many , many novelties for Enesco for eight or nine years...they are hard to distinguish because Enesco didn’t allow any trademarks by the manufacturer besides the word Japan...the Lil Bear line is one that has been identified.... Napco distributed Mushroom Faces...
In the 1960’s ...the Miyawo Company produced for Mikasa producing dinnerware... the Cerastone Line, French countryside, Ribbon Holly, Mexicana, Silk Flowers...
Mama’s Treasures has a large inventory of kitchen items from Primitives through the 1970’s. If the kitchen isn’t your thing, we have lots of Advertising, Primitives, Christmas, China & Dinnerware, Pottery, Home Decor, Garden, Jewelry, Lady’s Hats & Hankies and Vintage Sewing. We’ll always consider any reasonable offer and we love to answer questions. If you love kitchenalia or any kind of Old Stuff, then drop by Mama’s Treasures or visit our new specialty store on eBay, Lotties Kitchen. It’s the place where there is always a treasure waiting to be found. If you join our mailing list, you’ll get a monthly notice of new items, sales, and promotions. Right now you can save 15% Off every order of $50.00 or more through August 15th. Sale does not apply to Gift Certificates or Half Price Table Category Items , but does apply to Sale and Already Reduced Items.
Mama’s Treasures is a great place to browse and remember that kitchens are fun places as well as functional. Come visit us for all kinds of kitchen items or any old stuff that will bring back memories and put a smile on your face. If you care to shop and buy while you are there, that’s okay too. We also now offer a monthly newsletter on Kitchen Collectibles through Tias. If you care to subscribe you can view a copy on the Tias home page. Just hit the Newsletters link at the top of the page and look for “From Mama’s Kitchen.” Remember Mama’s Treasures believes in striving for quality and affordable prices. Stop by to visit, we love to make new friends!
|
mamas[.]tias.com 
