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Question:
I have a Red Wing platter in the Lute Song pattern. I am concerned that it might be a copy or fake. The marking does not have the red wing and it has the word "CHINA" embossed into the pottery. I don’t know if this means it’s a reproduction made in China or if somehow the factory marked this is china. Since I can only send 1 picture, I’m sending the picture of the marking. Karen
Answer: Your platter is authentic, not a fake. The official name of this line is simply "China" or "China by Red Wing", and Lute Song is one of eight patterns in this line. Most collectors and reference books use the term "True China" because that’s the name applied via ink stamp to the bottom of many of the pieces, as shown in your photo. The China line was made from china clay rather than earthenware clay, and Red Wing strived to publicize this development. Some of the molds used for this line included the word "CHINA" in the bottom of the mold. Apparently only a few of these marked molds were made because CHINA-marked pieces are not commonly found today. In our collection we have platter like yours as well as a divided vegetable dish with this mark. In any event rest assured the CHINA mark on your platter refers to the type of clay used, not the country of origin.
Larry