Feeling the Blues of Flow Blue.

I love the blues in music, in art, in water, and especially antique, flow blue ceramics. The deeper and more spread of the blue, the more I like it. Originally believed to be accidental, this flowing color was produced by the reaction of volatile chlorides upon ceramic colors. When colors and designs are applied to the pottery surface and are exposed to a chlorinated atmosphere in the kiln, the vapors cause the color to spread and blur--thus flow blue. Magic in my book. Pure and simple magic.

The New England Antiques Journal writes Flow Blue ceramics, with softly flowing transfer-printed decorations on durable, white, earthenware bodies, were created by English potters in the second quarter of the nineteenth century and were promptly introduced to the world market and by 1940, Flow Blue wares were particularly popular in the American market. America's consumers adored the dark blue hazy patterns and purchased Flow Blue by the barrelful. As the nineteenth century progressed, Flow Blue found its way into a variety of households – beginning with the burgeoning middle classes at its introduction and expanding until these wares were available to nearly everyone by the late nineteenth century. For the middle class, Flow Blue was a godsend, providing durable, moderately priced services much less expensive than porcelain or bone china, yet tasteful and delicate enough to be used during formal dinners and teas. Hosting these affairs was absolutely essential to rising in the Victorian social rankings.

Flow Blue pottery and china is one of the most popular, collectible ceramics in the United States antique market. More than 1,500 Flow Blue patterns were produced in Victorian England, Germany, Holland, and the United States with peak production from the mid-eighteen hundreds to the early 1940's. It’s not hard to find, but prices tend to be dear. Still, a good buy or “steal” can often be found. But then I have always found that the hunt is as much fun as the acquisition.