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| MODish.net is the reincarnation of the Mid-Century Modern Dinnerware CyberCollection, one of the earliest internet image collections, if not the first, having debuted around 1995-1996. Long before mega-pixel cameras, this site's crisp, clear photos were captured with a video recorder and processed into digital stills with the use of a converter known as a Snappy.The cybercollection (a term coined by Michael E. Pratt, this site's founder), also featured animated gifs of rotating dinnerware, which gave objects the appearance of three-dimensions viewed in the round. Collectors still recall the spinning Kermis cup and saucers, California Freeform coffeepot, and Hall Tri-Tone bean pot. |
One of MODish.net's goals is to exhibit mid-century modern dinnerware as the sculpted and decorated pieces of design and art that the creatives intended. For the best designers of the period, aesthetics was as much a function as functionality. MODish.net celebrates every brow of production ceramic art and design. If it is mid-century, modern, and ceramic, there's a good chance the Pratt collection has an example. This website hopes to share an exuberant passion for mid-century modern ceramic design with the world.
The website over the years has been a success, with thousands of hits every month. The enjoyment derived from the project and the friends made during the process propelled the web author to write a series of books entitled Mid-Century Modern Dinnerware (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2002-2003). The latest two volumes comprise a pictorial survey of some vintage American lines from nearly 80 different potteries. If you have an interest in acquiring an autographed copy of any of the author's books, you may visit the Book Store on this website.
The author has worn many hats during the last 53 years. Some of his current interests include web and computer programming, photography (his photography has been featured in Modernism magazine, Woman's Days' Decorating Ideas, Metropolitan Home, and the Antique Trader), writing, researching the history of American potteries and design, the preservation of American ceramics, and health literacy. Additional interests include philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual studies.
Michael Pratt has been a pro bono research consultant to museums and currently mentors and assists other authors in the field of modern American ceramics. While the author appreciates the work of all designers and manufacturers worldwide, he mostly limits his studies to American designs.
I am brand new to this website and am very impressed with its content.
I recently purchased a vase in an estate sale in New Jersey. I think it is absolutely beautiful. I would be happy to send a photo if you'd like. My question is whether you know anything about the stamp on the bottom. It reads G. Girard Italy with a .YRY in gold. I cannot find any information on this at all.
It stands 13" tall by 6" wide at the base. It is glazed in orange with "waves" and has 3 fish attached which are painted in gold, red, blue, black, white, green. There is a little chip on the bottom and it has been repaired at the top of the vase but the fish are what make this so unique and colorful. I was told it may be mid century.
If anyone has any information, I would love to hear back. Thanks.