Corning Ware 'Spice O' Life' Casserole Dish (Le Romarin)
Decorative art and kitchenware; glass-ceramic casserole dish with Pyrex lid • Corning Glass Works, New York (industrial design team)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / 1970s Americana Vernacular
Medium & Technique
Pyroceram (glass-ceramic) body with heat-applied decals; clear low-expansion glass lid
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1987
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 x 8.5 x 4 inches; rectangular format with rounded corners
Subject Description
Floral and botanical band featuring stylized vegetables and herbs including artichokes, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Central focal text reads 'Le Romarin' (French for 'The Rosemary').
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the decals appear intact and the Pyroceram white is bright, though minor surface scuffing is visible
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced consumer goods; likely acquired via retail distribution (Sears, J.C. Penney, or grocery programs) and held in a private domestic collection
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of the 20th-century 'kitchen革命' in America. The 'Spice O' Life' pattern, introduced in 1970, became one of the most popular patterns in Corning Ware history, symbolizing the era's shift toward family-centric, multi-functional kitchenware that could move from freezer to oven to table.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Le Romarin' script which was part of the earlier 'Spice O' Life' iterations; includes the iconic high-domed Pyrex glass handle lid
Condition Issues
Potential micro-scratches on glass lid from use; minor carbon staining on the base or underside (not visible in photo); potential 'flea bites' or tiny chips on the rim
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to prevent decal fading (avoid dishwasher use); use non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the decal luster; store with padding if stacked