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Friday, May 9, 2008

Transferware

I've always loved transferware and thought I'd do a little history
on these pretty dishes.Transferware is a pottery decorating
process invented about 200 years ago.
Potters learned to transfer a pattern from an engraved
metal plate to china. When the item is heated in a kiln
the pattern ingredients fuse with the surface and the
pattern becomes a permanent part of the china.
The variety of colors and patterns are endless. British potters invented the transferware process and had the market tied up for all of the 1800s because no one else could compete on quality and price. Their potteries were exported to America in vast quantities... as much as 250,000 pieces in a single shipload. The fraction that survive today give us a unique physical link with our forebears. Staffordshire Romantic transferware, with classical, oriental, and scenic themes is the most sought after category and was mostly made in the 1830's to 1850's. I have collected mostly blue transferware but would like to have more brown and red. There is green, also, which is very pretty. Flow Blu, pictured above, is simply a modified transferware process. The molten pattern ingredients were encouraged to bleed into the surrounding areas to form a halo effect. It was attractive as well as hiding minor faults. Flow Blue is avidly collected in the USA. The first picture at the top is Mason's Blue and White China sold by Crabtree & Evelyn. I have a china cabinet full of it! Not antiques, but I love the pattern of old cabbage roses. But my favorites are the old, old pieces...the ones that have yellowed and aged with time and use. :) info wiki, ebay and google.

19 comments:

  1. Beautiful china, isn't it?! My grandmother had a nice collection of it, which was divided between my mother and her siblings after her death. I especially love the Flow Blu.

    Do you ever use yours? It certainly would be pretty to use various pieces for a bridal tea or baby shower.

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  2. Modgirl ~ yes, it is beautiful! I never tire of it since there are so many colors and patterns. I think it all mixes and matches well together. I do use my pieces....I'm one of those who believes you should use and enjoy your things and not just let them collect dust. Sounds like your mom inherited some nice pieces, too!

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  3. Good evening, thanks for your visit. Lovely china.

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  4. Lady Lincoln ~ Thanks for coming by! I enjoyed your blog today....and your daughter's, too.
    I'm sure I'm be back for another visit!

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  5. My Mum would have loved this post.

    Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog. I'm glad you enjoy reading it!

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  6. So pretty! I have a few transferware pieces, including a green plate for hanging on a wall. I can't say I'm crazy about the modified process..the flow blue just looks muddy to me, but obviously I'm in the minority since it's so hugely popular.

    There is something very elegant about transferware, in any colour. How fortunate you are to have a sizable collection. Enjoy!

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  7. I just realized, are you leaving today?! Have a GREAT trip!

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  8. David ~ thanks for stopping by. I don't know too many mums who wouldn't love transferware! :)

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  9. Modgirl ~ two more days....we fly out Monday morning. Need to start packing! :)

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  10. Lavinia ~ yes, isn't it interesting that the flo blu is so popular. I think I like the crisp patterns better, too. Although some flo blu pieces aren't as muddy as others and are very beautiful. I bet your green plate is gorgeous!

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  11. I love transferware, too! I have mostly collected blue and white china, but I do have a few red and white plates and I would love to have some brown transferware, too. It's all so beautiful! I use it to decorate all over the house.

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  12. Lora ~ what a great idea. You really can use it all over the house! I want some brown pieces, too! I've seen some of your blue and white on your header! Beautiful!

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  13. Betsy, my green plate is not an antique, but it is attractive; I got it at The Bombay Company some years ago and it came with all the rigging on the back for hanging. It looks good wherever I put it.

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  15. Lavinia ~ I bet it is beautiful. I need to look for some green pieces! I haven't been to a Bombay Co. store in years...love it, though. There was a time when most of the things in my house were from there!

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  16. I have two teapots, one green and one red. I didn't know anything about them! Thanks for this post.

    Bless you!

    Reese

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  17. Reese ~ your teapots sound beautiful! And perfect for having tea over there in England!

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  18. This was very interesting. I've always hoped to start a collection someday. I like the red transferware the best.

    Have a good trip!

    I'm leaving for a trip to Ireland this week! Very exciting!

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  19. Pat ! a collection in red would be beautiful!

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