Tango was a line of solid colored dinnerware made in the late 1930s to very early 1940s. It was sold in various five and dime stores and was used as promotional giveaways for movie theaters. It was made in six colors in all:
- Harlequin yellow
- Harlequin blue (mauve)
- Harlequin red (maroon)
- Harlequin green (spruce)
- Fiesta red
- Fiesta green, a.k.a. light green (special order in 1940)
Tango was based on dinnerware made in Sweden. There were two designs under consideration in July 1936: one with a modeled rim (#637) and one with a modeled rim extending to the verge (#638). Model #637 was chosen, and the line was named Tango. Below are the rough sketches for both plates. To the right is an experimental example of model #638 in spruce green from the collection of the Fiesta® Tableware Company.
Designs for Tango under consideration from July 1936. Number 637 was selected. |
Model #638 in spruce green. |
After the design of the flatware was decided upon, the other pieces were soon added. A cream soup cup modeled in January 1937, but it was never released into production.
Two styles of teacup handles were made. The body of the teacup was designed on in October 1936, and its curled handle was modeled in February 1937. The handle was replaced two months later - this time without the curled upper portion. Both styles of teacups can be found, with the curled handle more difficult to find.
Republic demitasse cups and saucers were picked up from Republic and dipped in at least four of the Tango glazes: yellow, blue, spruce, and Fiesta red.
Curled (left) and regular (right) teacup handles |
Tango tea set and Republic demitasse set in Fiesta red |
Art director Frederick Rhead noted in his journal on October 1, 1937, "J. M. Wells states that the Tango shape has not gone over like the Harlequin shape. Assumed that a plain modern shape is better than a traditional modeled shape for colored glazes..."
Tango salt and pepper shakers were picked up and used with Riviera and Wells Art Glazes. Shakers in Riviera glazes are easy to find. The Wells Art Glazes line was not as heavily produced as the other solid colored lines of dinnerware in the late 1930s. By 1941, it was discontinued so Tango shakers in the art glazes are rare.
Tango shakers in Harlequin blue and Fiesta red |
Tango shakers picked up for Wells Art Glazes |
Tango was never marked. It was never a great seller and was discontinued in the early 1940s.
Because it was produced for such a short time, it is much more difficult to find than other lines introduced at the same time, namely Fiesta, Harlequin, and Riviera.
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