Is there anything more fun than eating food from food-shaped plates? The short answer: no. The overwhelming popularity of cabbage ware has made it somewhat of a collector's item. For those who frequent op shops and secondhand stores, these leafy plates, bowls and cups are an absolute score to find hidden amongst the rubble on those dusty shelves.
From cabbage salad plates to cabbage serving bowls, mugs, platters and more, these whimsical and wonderfully kitsch designs can slip into a range of interior styles - from maximalism to modern farmhouse and more - and are sure to spark plenty of conversation around the dinner table.
There are certain items that tend to get passed down from generation to generation. Crystal glasses, special cutlery and some valuable servingware are certainly high on that list (and not just for their sentimental value - some CorningWare designs are now estimated to be worth thousands of dollars). This writer is firmly of the belief that, should it come down to it, an impressive cabbageware collection would be hotly contested by adoring family members.
There are endless designs available that each mimic luscious bright green cabbage leaves. They introduce plenty of charm and personality to any table setting, and make whatever is served in, on top of or beside them look better. Doctors recommend we eat five serves of vegetables per day, and we recommend you serve each of those serves on vegetable-shaped dinnerware.
Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro was an influential figure and ceramacist in nineteenth Century Portuguese culture. He founded his namesake brand Bordallo Pinheiro in 1884, which is today well known for its colourful and whimsical ceramic servingware. Each piece has been carefully hand painted and crafted by artisans.
Today the Bordallo Pinheiro ceramic collection includes plates, bowls, platters and other servingware shaped with quirky fruit, vegetable and animal motifs. Popular designs include papayas, artichokes, pumpkins and even fish, but the most iconic is Bordallo Pinheiro's Cabbageware collection.
Cabbage ware comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Whether you are trying to complete a set, are only just starting to build your own collection, are looking for a stylish housewarming gift, or just simply for a small piece that is sure to bring a smile to its recipients face, we've rounded up the best cabbage ware to shop right now (and forever).