Blue and White Ceramics
A regular visitor to Auctions and Antiques shows cannot fail to notice the vast quantity of blue and white ceramics available. The prevalence of these ceramics reflects the impact of global trade during the 19th century. The Portuguese are credited with bringing the first blue and white ceramics from China to Europe through trade. The porcelain figure below is a depiction of a European, note the drinking glass.
By the early 18th century Chinese ceramics were being imported into Europe. The Dutch East India Company imported porcelains into Holland and the local manufacturers of Delft were quick to imitate these wares. Wealthy Dutch merchants began to collect Chinese blue and white ceramics, both serving as decorative objects and evidence of status. The flower pyramid, attributed to De Metaale Pot, Delft, Netherlands is tin-glazed earthenware and in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
English ceramic firms in Staffordshire were quick to see the commercial opportunities in blue and white transfer decorated ceramics for the increasingly wealthy middle class at home and abroad. The American market was an important and profitable market for Staffordshire blue and white ceramics.Today there are numerous collectors clubs and societies for blue and white ware in America and worldwide, indicating the continued interest in these ceramics.
Figure, 1680-1700, Jingdezhen, China, Porcelain, Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Flower pyramid, 1692-1700, Delft, Netherlands, Tin-glazed earthenware, Rijksmuseum, Netherlands.
Plate of lead-glazed earthenware, transfer-printed in underglaze blue. ca.1820-1830, Staffordshire, England. Victoria & Albert Museum. London.