Q: I have a majolica teapot marked "Mottahedeh" on the bottom. I bought it in a local shop. Can you tell me who made it and how old it is?

A: Mottahedeh & Co. was founded by Rafi and Mildred Mottahedeh as an import company in about 1929. The company is still in business in Cranbury, New Jersey, under the name Mottahedeh, Inc. It makes reproductions and adaptations of Chinese Export porcelain patterns and early Chinese and European designs. Dishes may look just like the 18th-century version, but they are dishwasher-safe reproductions. Most of the china is made in Europe. Brass pieces are made in India. Stoneware, faience, crystal, silver plate, and lithographs are also made. The company has made china for the White House, the State Department, and the Diplomatic Corps, and has licenses to make reproductions for various museums. Currently Mottahedeh makes about 1,500 different items that are sold in stores and gift shops all over the country.