Aren't these petite butter pats adorable? If one wants to collect china but has limited space to display, perhaps this is the way to go.These above look so French to me but are actually back stamped 'Hand Painted ~ Nippon' so are from Japan. They are in near pristine condition, no chips, cracks or scratches, and the gold is delicate raised embossing. Best part, a true bargain at SuzAnna's Antiques, $11.99 for all six!

Later, hunting through another antiques mall in town, I came across a dealer who obviously is serious about collecting and selling butter pats.....................she had hundreds including these above. The price points were much higher here, mostly per item, starting around $6 and up to $20 each. Loved the square ones but decided the round ones would be more practical.

I purchased these two because the design looks French and the color is a lovely blue-gray. Guess what, they may have been designed to hold those elegant little pats and curls of creamy butter, however I'm using one as the perfect coaster for my coffee mug as I sit here chatting with you.
I truly believe in using the things you love, not hiding them away awaiting a once in a blue moon fancy dinner party. Who has the time to curl butter anyway!