Capture an Iconic Piece of History in Your Home with the HF Coors Mimbreño Dinnerware Collection

At HF Coors, our design inspiration comes from around the globe. However, one of our favorite collections, the Mimbreño Dinnerware Collection, was locally inspired by a slice of Southwest American history. Originally envisioned by renowned architect and designer Mary Jane Colter, the Mimbreño pattern is thoughtfully reproduced right here in Tucson, AZ at HF Coors.

Timeless Designs Envisioned by a Groundbreaking Artist

The original Mimbreño Collection was designed for the Santa Fe Railroad’s luxury Super Chief line, which ran from Chicago to Los Angeles from 1936-1971. Mary Jane Colter, who had been inspired by Native American art throughout her career, based her designs on 1100 CE Mimbres patterns, which were excavated at Swarts Ruin in New Mexico between 1924 and 1927. Colter’s collection featured 37 original illustrations inspired by the playful wildlife and geometric designs of the Mimbres pottery, which also featured a striking black-on-white color scheme.

After Amtrack took over the Super Chief service in 1971, the opulent business class dinner service was discontinued. At that time, the original Mimbreño Collection was then released to the public for sale. Originals are still collected, and single items will sell for hundreds of dollars on the collector’s circuit. However, you don’t need to be an avid collector to enjoy the beauty and history of these designs. Thanks to our authorized and faithful reproductions of the Mimbreño Collection, you can capture a taste of the elegance and exclusivity of the originals to feature in your own home.

Who Was Mary Jane Colter?

Mimbreño china is just one of numerous iconic designs credited to Mary Jane Colter. Colter was an architect, designer, and artist who had enormous influence on Southwestern architecture throughout her long career. As an emerging designer in 1902, Colter entered a competitive, male-dominated field but quickly made a name for herself as a perfectionist with a keen aesthetic eye and a wide range of influences. Her work reflects a blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival architecture, as well as Native American and Rustic motifs. Many of the buildings and spaces she designed were featured along Santa Fe Railroad’s main route, with some of her best-known works being at the Grand Canyon.

Unfortunately, the rise of automobile transportation meant that many of her works were destroyed as railroad lines and their surrounding infrastructure were demolished and replaced with modern roads. However, some of her buildings still stand, including four that are protected as part of the Mary Jane Colter National Historic Landmark District in Grand Canyon National Park. Of course, her iconic Mimbreño designs also live on through HF Coors.

A Historic Collection Faithfully Reproduced

We are honored to be an authorized reproducer of the Mimbreño Collection, which is why we carefully capture these patterns to preserve their timeless beauty, along with the spirit of a bygone era. Playful patterns and wildlife illustrations offer a glimpse into the creative spirit of the ancient Southwest as well as the exceptional creativity of a great American artist.

Restaurant Quality Pieces to Last for Generations in Your Home

Each piece of the Mimbreño Dinnerware Collection is crafted to meet modern standards of durability and functionality. Made right here in the U.S.A. in our Tucson, AZ factory, these pieces are oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe; scratch resistant, and lead- and cadmium-free. Our vitrified ceramic construction makes every piece resistant to stains, chips, and cracks, and each is backed by a 2-year guarantee under normal use. Perfect for everyday or for special occasions, our restaurant-quality dinnerware is designed to endure generations of home use while preserving the beautiful and unique designs of the Mimbreño Collection.

Discover a wide range of tableware designed to meet all tastes at HF Coors. Our dinnerware is 100% made in the USA to restaurant grade standards, and we boast a wide range of collections from simple matte colors to vibrant and colorful designs to historically significant reproductions like the Mimbreño Dinnerware Collection. Browse our collections on our website or visit us in Tucson at our Factory Store to discover our full line of dinnerware, serving ware, and restaurant-quality ceramics.