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
Nice post on flow blue. I would love to get this book so I am putting my name in the hat!
Lovely pieces!!! I love anything blue and have a beautiful piece that I inherited from my Aunt. It’s a darling gravy boat touraine with markings on the bottom that say Henry Alcock & Co., England RN#329815. Maybe I can do some detective work and find out more about it.
Lidy, I have always admired Flow Blue. It is so strikingly beautiful. I just recently purchased two plates at a local shop that look similar to the first one you showcased. Thanks for such a lovely and informative post. Enjoy your day!
I have always loved the blue and white transfer ware, but sadly have none. I am interested in the mulberry transfer ware I love the black color for its drama! Happy Day!
Denise
I adore blue and white. I don’t have any Flow Blue, but now I will keep an eye out for it. I use my blue and white all the time for tablescapes of course! I found a beautiful blue and soup tureen at a thrift store recently that has some hints of yellow in it that is perfection. Blessings!
Lidy, I love flow blue and am fortunate to have collected several pieces through the years. I don’t use it though, but enjoy having it displayed.
Hope you are seeing spring.
Such gorgeous pieces of Flow Blue…I was introduced to Flow Blue way back in the early 80’s…at that time raising a family, wanting to buy those pieces were a luxury….As I read the comments above, how so very lovely that they inherited beautiful Flow Blue from family…Have a great day Lidy!!!
Love blue & white,I’ve bought items myself but I also inherited a few pieces from my Oma. These pieces are always on display but I don’t use them.
Your blue & white is gorgeous.
I hung the two flow blue plates I inherited on the wall in an arrangement with other plates.
I’ve been blessed to receive flow blue pieces passed down to my mother in law. Her grandmothers’ family brought them into the USA when they immigrated from Germany. There are plates and a small platter. I also have a small pitcher.