I was thrilled to wake up this morning to find an answer to my letter to the Hoya Crystal Company. I am posting the whole thing in the hopes that it will be interesting to all.
Dear Mr. R. Pearce,
Thank you for your email.
We think the plate you would like to get information is as following;
In the late 1980’s We started to make the “Flower Plates” which Takehiko Yamamoto engraved with flower decorations.
A resplendent flower associated with each month of the year is sculpted in deep relief on the back of each flower.
There are Narcissus, Crocus, Pansy, Sweet Pea, Carnation, Thistle, Lily, Poppy, African Daisy, Dahlia, Cattleya and Cyclamen.
The diameter is 8 1/2”
If this is not the same as you mentioned, could you please send the picture to us?
Best Regards,
Yumiko Uekado
Yumiko Uekado
Foreign Trade Section
HOYA Corporation Crystal Company
3-3-1 Musashino, Akishima-shi,
Tokyo 196-8510 JAPAN
Fax: +81-42-500-0096
Email: yumiko.uekado@mb.hoya.co.jp
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I will reply to him to ask if it was only the 'original' plates that were engraved or if they all were.
Needless to say, I will post any reply I get