This authentic vintage 1940s Lu-Ray Pastels rimmed soup bowl by Taylor, Smith & Taylor features the iconic soft pastel yellow glaze that made this line a mid-century American favorite.
Marked “T.S.&T. Lu-Ray Pastels U.S.A. 12511,” this bowl measures approximately:
• 8 inches diameter
• 1 1/2 inches deep
• Weight: 1 lb 11.9 oz
Its smooth Art Deco–silhouette, wide rim, and luminous butter-yellow glaze embody the optimism and streamlined design of 1940s American dinnerware. A beautiful standalone piece or perfect addition to an existing Lu-Ray pastel collection.
This item is vintage (circa 1940s) and shows gentle age-appropriate wear consistent with authentic use.
Introduced in the late 1930s by Taylor, Smith & Taylor of Chester, West Virginia, Lu-Ray Pastels became one of America’s first widely marketed mix-and-match pastel dinnerware lines.
During WWII and post-Depression recovery years, soft pastel tones symbolized hope, light, and modern domestic simplicity. Yellow was particularly popular because it reflected warmth and optimism.
Unlike ornate Victorian dinnerware, Lu-Ray embraced:
• Clean lines
• Glossy monochrome glaze
• Coordinated but mixable colors
• Durable everyday usability
Collectors today prize rimmed bowls because they’re practical for soups, pasta, salads, and display.
Measurements & Weight
Diameter: 8 inches
Depth: 1 1/2 inches
Weight: 1 lb 11.9 oz (27.9 oz)
Material: Glazed ceramic / pottery
Maker’s Mark: T.S.&T. Lu-Ray Pastels U.S.A. 12511
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