Everyone Owned It In The '80s — Now It's The Funky Dishware We Want Back On Our Tables

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Simple lines, bright hues, a San Francisco original design with Japanese manufacturing sensibilities; these elements came together in candy-colored stoneware pieces on dinner tables in the 1980s. If you didn't know better, you might think you were looking at dishes for a children's tea party. Such is the whimsical nature of Lindt-Stymeist Designs dishware –– particularly the Colorways collection. It's exactly the bold, fun, and funky type of '80s design trend that's back in style.

John Stymeist considered his pieces to be among the finest, if not the finest. He once said (via WorthPoint), "I believe my stoneware to be the best in the world. This is due in part to my exacting specifications and the precise firing techniques required to produce our unique glazes." Glazing in ceramics seals the surface of pieces like Colorways, and they're fired until they turn waterproof and food-safe. Although Stymeist also made pieces in more muted tones or single colors, the artist's Colorways glazes are a riot of intense pastels, accented with blues, yellows, and oranges.

Stymeist's Colorways pieces were met with such demand, a partnership was formed with Lindt and a small Japanese factory that could handcraft the pieces to specifications. Thus was born the Lindt-Stymeist Colorways collection, produced for about 10 years starting in 1986. With its two-toned colors, geometric shapes and knobs, Colorways is an example of Memphis Design (a bold '80s design you'd be lucky to find at the thrift store).

It should be simple to spot Lindt-Stymeist Colorways pieces once you're familiar with the two-tone look of the collection. If thrifting in person, flip the dish over and you might find a still-intact sticker with the "(Lindt_Stymeist)" name, a copyright symbol, and "JAPAN" in the lower right corner. Given that these 1980s and '90s dishes are between 30 and 40 years old, though, it's likely many will have lost their sticker by now. (Another sticker you might see is one of a script logo with "JAPAN" below it.)

Meanwhile, online at sites, like eBay, Etsy, 1stDibs, Replacements, Ltd., and Chairish, the selection is quite wide-ranging, with prices being as low as $20 for a used plate, on up to $425 for a rare, never-used serveware set comprising a covered casserole, tea pot, creamer, and lidded sugar bowl (and with the maker's sticker). In addition, you may find salt and pepper shakers, tumblers, tea cups, vases, and large serving bowls; some sold as sets but single items can also be found. Note that a second run of Colorways began in 1999, with production lasting seven years until 2006. 

You just can't be sad pouring tea from a bright yellow teapot with a blue lid, topped with a bright orange and green knob, then sipping it from an orange and teal mug with a bright blue thumb rest, like you could (and can) with the funky Lindt-Stymeist Colorways dishes. This fun, Memphis-style tableware is definitely among the '80s thrift store gems we'd love to find.