Blue And White China

Vintage And Antique Blue And White China

Blue and white china, also known as blue and white porcelain or blue and white pottery, refers to a style of ceramic ware that is predominantly decorated with blue designs on a white background.

We have an extensive collection of top quality vintage and antique English blue and white china for sale online at our specialist china website Vintage And Antiques.

English blue and white china patterns

English blue and white china patterns have a rich history and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. These patterns often reflect the influence of Chinese blue and white porcelain but with distinct English motifs and styles. Here are some popular English blue and white china patterns:

1. Blue Willow: Perhaps the most famous and iconic English blue and white china pattern, Blue Willow has a storied history dating back to the 18th century. The pattern typically features a landscape with a willow tree, a bridge, a river, and buildings, along with figures such as pagodas, birds, and boats. Blue Willow has been produced by numerous English pottery manufacturers over the centuries and remains a beloved classic.
2. Blue Italian: Produced by Spode, Blue Italian is another enduringly popular blue and white china pattern. It features a pastoral scene inspired by Italian landscapes, with ruins, trees, and figures in a romanticized setting. Blue Italian has been in production since the late 18th century and is still produced today.
3. Asiatic Pheasants: This pattern, featuring pheasants in a garden landscape, was originally produced by several English potteries in the 19th century, including Mason's, Spode, and Wedgwood. Asiatic Pheasants is characterized by its intricate detailing and delicate blue and white color scheme.
4. Willow Pattern Variations: In addition to the classic Blue Willow pattern, there are variations and reinterpretations of the design produced by different English pottery manufacturers. These variations may feature subtle differences in the composition or additional elements incorporated into the design.
5. Old Britain Castles: This pattern, produced by Johnson Brothers, depicts various British castles surrounded by floral motifs. The design often includes intricate borders and is a favorite among collectors of English blue and white china.
6. Flow Blue: While not a specific pattern per se, Flow Blue refers to a style of blue and white china characterized by a blurred or "flowing" effect in the blue decoration, resulting from the deliberate bleeding of the cobalt pigment during firing. Flow Blue pieces often feature a variety of patterns, including floral motifs, landscapes, and geometric designs.

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and beloved blue and white china patterns produced by English pottery manufacturers over the centuries. Each pattern has its own unique charm and history, contributing to the enduring popularity of English blue and white china among collectors and enthusiasts both in the UK and abroad.

History of blue and white china

This type of pottery has a long and storied history, particularly in China, where it originated.

1. Origins: Blue and white porcelain originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), but it reached its peak during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). The distinctive blue pigment used in these ceramics is derived from cobalt oxide, which was imported into China from Persia during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD).
2. Decoration: The decoration on blue and white china typically features intricate designs, often depicting scenes from nature, mythology, historical events, or patterns such as floral motifs. These designs are painted onto the ceramic surface before firing, using a technique known as underglaze painting. The blue pigment is applied to the unfired clay body, and then the piece is glazed before being fired in a kiln.
3. Symbolism: Blue and white china often carries symbolic meanings. For example, certain motifs might represent longevity, prosperity, or good fortune. Dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures are common motifs that symbolise power and auspiciousness in Chinese culture.
4. Exportation: Blue and white porcelain became highly sought after by collectors and traders around the world, leading to a significant export market. Chinese blue and white porcelain was exported to Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia, where it became highly prized and influenced local ceramic traditions.
5. Imitation and Influence: The popularity of blue and white porcelain in China led to the development of similar styles in other countries, such as Japan (under the name "Arita ware" or "Imari ware") and Korea. Additionally, European potters attempted to imitate Chinese blue and white porcelain, leading to the development of styles such as Delftware in the Netherlands and "Blue Willow" patterns in England.
6. Collectibility: Blue and white china remains highly collectible today, with both antique and modern pieces sought after by collectors around the world. Antique pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties can command high prices at auctions, while modern reproductions and adaptations are also popular for their aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

Overall, blue and white china represents not only a distinct style of ceramic ware but also a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating intersection of artistic traditions from across the globe.