The design of Vernon Kilns Ultra California line is credited to Gale Turnbull, with Jane Bennison contributing the iconic upside-down handles. Vernon Kilns used the Ultra shape on many lines: It was the base shape for designs created by Rockwell Kent, Don Blanding, and Disney. The official name of the shape is unknown, but is commonly called Ultra since the Ultra California line was the first pattern to appear on the shape. While beautiful, many considered the design to be impractical, as the turned-down handles made the pieces hard to pick up.

Ultra California came in six colors: Buttercup (yellow), Gardenia (green), Carnation (pink), Aster (blue), white, and maroon. Maroon and white are uncommon. Rumor has it that Vernon Kilns only produced White in June for weddings, accounting for its scarcity. The line was produced from roughly 1938-42. Standard dinnerware pieces are easy to find, but serving pieces (with the exception of the teapot, coffee pot and casserole) are rare.

The company brochure below (this is a piece recreated off of an original brochure) seems to be from early in the line. White and maroon aren’t listed as colors, and there are several pieces missing from the list.