The holiday season is just around the corner, and I am already thinking of tablescapes. One of my favorite china patterns is the classic Tobacco Leaf by Mottahedeh which was originally developed circa 1780. The elegant design was originally made in China for export, and of all the 18th century dinner patterns, this was the most highly prized. A small phoenix bird perches on the leaves of the flowering Nicotiana (Tobacco) plant. Twenty-seven colors and 22k gold make up this pattern based on an original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is one of the longest running patterns by Mottahedeh and continues its strong popularity today, showing that good design is timeless. Here are a few examples of lovely tablescapes featuring Tobacco Leaf by Mottahedeh…
Jane Scott Hodges via Linens: For Every Room and Occasion
Jane Scott Hodges via Linens: For Every Room and Occasion
Jane Scott Hodges via Linens: For Every Room and Occasion
Jane Scott Hodges via Linens: For Every Room and Occasion
So pretty with Juliska’s classic Bamboo flatware via The Little House Shop
It also looks sensational with monogrammed china from Sasha Nicholas!
via Style Me Pretty
Replacements – So darling with Herend bunnies for Easter!
Bunny Mellon’s extensive collection of 18th century tobacco leaf, courtesy of Sotheby’s New York/Property from the collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon (via Vanity Fair)
There is also an inexpensive tin version of the tobacco leaf pattern that is now available, perfect for outdoor entertaining! It is available for purchase via Biscuit Home and Etsy.
As you can see, Tobacco Leaf by Mottahedeh is perfect for any occasion or holiday. It is available at Neiman Marcus and Williams Sonoma. This one is on my wish list!
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Wow! I have never seen this pattern combined with autumn colors before, but it looks amazing!
Thank you for your blog, by the way- it is my very favorite. It has become difficult to find design magazines and blogs I like, since most things seem so stark & cautious & masculine. Your blog is the opposite of all that… I especially love your embrace of all things feminine and historical. This is the only place I can turn for home inspiration, so I hope you keep it up!
Dear Julien,
That is the nicest comment ever, you just made my day!! I am so ready for pretty to return, and I am glad you agree. 🙂
Yours truly,
Andrea
I would love to see some tablescapes in this pattern using the very inexpensive “faux china” tin plates in this pattern from the Metropolitan Museum Collection. They’re about $10′ each – folks starting out on a tight budget can still set an elegant table (to protect the tin, top with a clear glass plate).
I do have the “real thing,” i.e., Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf salad plates that go with my Mottahedeh Blue Lace chargers and Imperial Blue dinner plates. However, I have the faux dinner tin plates as well – to keep them from moisture & possible corrosion/rust rust, I put each on a pretty charger and top with a clear glass vintage Camdlewick plate – gives the illusion of fine china. I use the Candlewick atop my Haviland-Limoges china, too.
Hi! May I ask where the pink colored glasses are from?