Russel Wright designed Casual China for everyday use – Dishwasher Safe, Chip and Stain Resistant with a replacement guarantee. In this way, Casual China represents a remarkable difference from American Modern.

American Modern addressed the reality of modern families. Most Americans did not have household help, many women worked outside the home and fancy wares were beyond the family budget. In that vein, his designs were innovative, affordable and “mass produced.”  Yet, American Modern had issues as noted by buyers such as crazing, chipping and fading. It was not unusual for a buyer to stop him on the street to register their complaints!

That said, Wright listened and then began work on a new line that would not have the same issues. Iroquois produced high fired ceramics to avoid the issues. Yet, still, he wanted to produce ceramics that exhibited color gradients and differences more akin to pottery. The first glazes referred to as foamy or raindrop were the result of hours spent experimenting.

Another change, open stock was not included in marketing and store displays of Iroquois China. Most buyers  most buyers preferred a matched set. Initially, sales of Casual China were lackluster compared to the wild success of American Modern.  By the mid fifties, consumers preferred the light pastels of Casual China.

Before there was Martha Stewart, there was Russel Wright, the great mid-century modern American designer who pioneered the concept of “easier living” for the middle class, a uniquely American lifestyle that was gracious but contemporary and informal.