Question:
I was wondering if the paint used on the lotus pattern collection is lead based? Beautiful to admire, but safe to use? Thanks Kristy

Answer:
Lead-based glazes were commonly used in the pottery industry, and it’s my understanding Red Wing used them. The lead is in the shiny glaze that coats the plate, not in the colors used to decorate the plate. I do not know if lead-based glaze was used to produce Lotus dinnerware but most likely it was. Personally, I would consider a piece of Lotus with intact glaze to be safe to use. I would be more concerned about chipped or cracked pieces, or pieces with crazing in the glaze. (Crazing refers to fine cracks in the glaze that sometimes appear as the piece ages.) Thanks Larry