| For classic dinnerware with an Asian-inspired feel, you | | | | condition. |
| would do well to go in search of a pattern called | | | | Modern pieces that give your home that |
| Shangri-La. Shambhala is a mystical Tibetan city which | | | | Oriental-inspired look found in the older, collectible china |
| the story of Shangri-La is based upon, as written in the | | | | patterns are made by Lenox, in their cherry blossoms |
| 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British novelist James Hilton. | | | | designs. Porcelain pieces like a Cherry Blossom clock, |
| He described it as a serene, mystical valley | | | | photo frames, vases and bowls are easily found |
| somewhere in the Kunlun Mountains, where the | | | | pieces that possess the Asian-inspired look of the |
| inhabitants live forever. Many now equate it with | | | | discontinued dinnerware pieces. Oneida also has a |
| Heaven, Nirvana and every other mystical utopia | | | | current dinnerware collection they call Shangri-La which |
| throughout history. | | | | retains some of the Oriental influence in the color |
| A Shangri-La pattern typically shows red and blue | | | | scheme, though there is no pattern. But you can get |
| Asian flowers and birds or butterflies, things that | | | | sturdy earthenware pieces in blue, red or green. |
| represent the serenity and peacefulness of a mythical | | | | There's also an Asian-inspired bowl, tiny ramekin and |
| happy place cut off from the worries and stress of | | | | rectangular serving dish. You can mix and match the |
| the outside world. The land of Tibetan Buddhist tradition | | | | colors for a truly unique dining set. |
| represents the highest ideals of the discipline--beauty, | | | | If you prefer the original pieces, though, there are |
| peace and nature. | | | | stores online which sell replacements for discontinued |
| Noritake's Shangri-La design features primarily blue | | | | patterns. So you should be able to find just about any |
| flowers with some red and yellow centers and | | | | piece in a set you want. While it's a bit of an expense |
| highlights. A blue band circles each piece, and blue and | | | | to acquire an entire pattern this way, there are more |
| yellow birds, perhaps the bluebird of happiness, also | | | | affordable and practical ways to enhance your table |
| adorn these dishes. The pattern is discontinued now, | | | | with a favorite discontinued Shangri-La design. |
| as it was only manufactured from 1973 to 1979, but it's | | | | First, consider purchasing plain white plates. Plain white |
| still popular among collectors today. An earlier pattern | | | | china will never go out of style, and you'll never have |
| by the same name was produced during the 50s, and | | | | difficulty replacing those pieces. Then the foundation of |
| features gray/green Asian landscapes on white. | | | | your set is secure, and you'll never have to worry |
| Mikasa's Shangri-La pattern graced earthenware | | | | about having an incomplete or mismatched dining set. |
| pieces in their Fine Ivory line. The rim featured a woven | | | | Choose the basic pieces in white and you'll be able to |
| embossed design. While still Asian-inspired, the floral | | | | change your theme more easily. |
| design on Mikasa's pattern featured primarily red | | | | Now, search through the discontinued pattern at |
| flowers, a few blue flowers, a bird and a butterfly. | | | | replacement stores for large pieces and smaller |
| Mikasa's version of this Asian pattern is also an older, | | | | accent pieces bearing the Asian pattern that will have |
| discontinued pattern. | | | | a big impact on your table. The white plates won't |
| Another similar pattern was manufactured by Royal | | | | seem boring or plain when a colorful coffee pot, platter, |
| Cauldron. This pattern has cobalt blue flowers and | | | | cream and sugar bowl, or bamboo-handled serving |
| some slightly raised red petals. Rust colored scrolls and | | | | plate grace the table. Because the discontinued |
| accents, as well as finishing gold trim, keep the Asian | | | | Shangri-La patterns bear similar colors and themes, |
| color themes intact. These pieces are quite rare, | | | | you can mix and match the pieces to add even more |
| especially if you want them in very good to excellent | | | | color and interest to your Asian-inspired table. |