There are some iconic pairings that stand the test of time.
Blue and White is one, and a collection
of antique Flow Blue livens up any interior!
First made in the 19th century in England by a variety of potteries,
Flow Blue Ironstone pieces are avidly collected.
A kind of transfer ware with the decorative patterns applied to white glazed
ironstone blanks with a paper stencil, flow blue has a stunning cobalt blue color.
Flow Blue is called that because the designs are slightly "blurred"
it's that quality that made flow blue such a immense hit in the United States.
The process of making Flow Blue was intentionally created as
a way to use less of the expensive cobalt oxide
but still get that enchanting deep cobalt blue everyone loved!
Flow Blue patterns fall into a four basic categories:
1. Oriental designs {temples, pagodas and Asian themes}
2. Romantic designs {flowers, animals, town scenes and gardens}
3. Floral designs {lots of flowers, vines and leaves}
4. Brush Stroke designs {mimic hand painted brush strokes with pink & copper luster}
The most sought after color of Flow Blue is deep dark intense cobalt blue
although lighter colors blue were also made.
Most early Flow Blue was made on ironstone,
in the late 1800's lighter porcelain pieces were made, often with embossed details .
"Mulberry" flow blue pieces were also quite popular.
These were made by going through the transfer process but without adding "flow agents" such as salt
so the cobalt coloring stayed in place and the transfer appeared dark black.
Blue and white is always a classic, timeless addition to your home.
SHOP our latest Flow Blue Here >
ARE YOU A FAN OF BLUE AND WHITE?
TELL ME HOW YOU HAVE USED THIS CLASSIC COMBO IN THE COMMENTS!
ps. There's still time to enter our give away of this wonderful design book!
à bientôt
20 comments
Loving the blue transferware!!!
Janice,
Your display of flow blue mixed in with other blue and white sounds beautiful! It’s always a joy
to make something beautiful for us to look at at home, isn’t it? Especially if the pieces have
such sweet memories attached to them as some of yours have.
Hi Lidy,
I have three beautiful flow blue plates that I inherited from my mother. I put them along the the back of my China Cabinet Hutch in the plate holder. I mixed the shelf with different blue and white pieces that I have collected over the years, a lovely ink well, and pen set, I have put a teapot, and a collection of blue and white teacups and saucers, a pretty blue and white vase, and a lovely antique blue and white small Oriental tea set that is in a cobalt blue color, though it is not flow blue which came from Japan, a treasured gift from a friend who was stationed there for many years. Amazing how they all blend together. I sometimes remove some of the pieces and just make a small collection on a shelf, or on a small table with some fresh yellow daffodils.
The contrast is very pleasing to the eye.
I am starting to love blue and white more an more. Your flow blue plates pattern are so soft.
The story behind flow blue is amazing and brings historical insite to new collectors. Not to mention that the blue and white is timeless. Enjoy these amazing plates
I have a piece of the black.
I never knew it was a flow mulberry.
Its even more special now.
Thank you for sharing.
I love blue and white and since my dining room is done in blue and white, the cobalt blue pairs so well with it! These pieces are beautiful, Lidy!
Lidy, I love blue and white. I have a china cabinet displaying all blue and white dishes, platters, etc. I’ve collected from antique stores and auctions, and blue and white ginger jars above my white kitchen cabinets mixed in with old copper tea kettles. Some came from places like Tuesday morning and aren’t really antiques, but beautiful just the same. I also have an antique plate rack with blue and white dishes and tea cups I found at a hospice charity store. Looking to add more to have some throughout the house. So timeless and so beautiful.
I have to tell you, I ordered one of your beautiful cashmere shawls in sky blue, and it came in the mail yesterday. I was so impressed with how it was wrapped, and I’m saving the beautiful black and white toile tissue paper and lovely gray ribbon. Not sure what I’ll use them for, but too precious to not save. My first purchase from you, but I don’t think it will be my last.
Hello Lidy,
Love all your beautiful flow blue piece’s, I am lucky enough to have been collecting them year’s ago before they became so hard to get. I hang all my plate’s and I do use a few piece’s but only at special time’s. I just bought a beautiful large ginger jar in the flow blue, a copy but could not resist, we gal’s just love that blue. You alway’s display all your pretties so nice and for all of us to enjoy, I alway’s look forward to seeing everything you have and your storie’s. Thank’s for sharing and Happy St. Paddy Day~~~~~~~~~~~Bonjour~~~~~~~
I have loved blue and white since I can remember. It’s always my favorite color combo. For clothing, decor, furniture, almost everything. Even my china is blue and white!